How Much Does Dental Cleaning Cost?

An appointment to clean your teeth usually also includes an oral exam and, once per year, x-rays. Typically, a cleaning appointment requires 30 to 60 minutes. A dental hygienist, working under the supervision of a dentist, uses an instrument called a scaler to scrape and remove soft plaque and hard tartar around your gum line and between your teeth.

A standard teeth cleaning can cost $75 to $200. For x-rays and an exam by the dentist, the total cost can be $100 to $300, depending on the dentist, local rates, and the number and type of x-rays.

If you have dental insurance, your coverage will typically include 100 percent of the cost for teeth cleaning as necessary preventive care once or twice a year. Some plans may pay a maximum amount for cleaning, which can be a lower amount than what the dentist charges. For patients who show signs of gum disease, the dentist may recommend teeth cleaning three or four times a year. The extra appointments are generally not covered by dental insurance.

Costs for Deeper Cleaning Procedures

A more extensive cleaning process, called scaling and root planing, is a procedure your dentist may recommend if you have pockets around your teeth that are deeper than 3 millimeters due to deterioration of your gums. Your dentist will scrape (scaling) plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Then he or she will smooth rough spots on the roots of your teeth (planing) to remove bacteria and provide a clean surface for your gums to reattach to your teeth.

The scaling and root planing procedure requires local anesthetic and typically means two to four appointments of 45 minutes to an hour each. Cost is divided by quadrants in your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) and can range from $100 to $450 for a single quadrant. For a full mouth deep cleaning, your cost can be $500 to $4,000, depending on the amount of work you need.

Quality Care That Fits Your Budget

Your dentist is committed to providing quality care that fits your budget. Remember that the estimated cost your dentist provides can vary, depending on the work required. Discuss your individual situation and overall needs with your dentist and work together to determine the best approach for your dental health.

Always check with your dental insurance provider for a list of approved dentists in their network. Typically, an in-network dentist will cost less than an out-of-network dentist. Some dentists offer discounts if you are a new patient. Contact the individual dentist’s office for more information.

Additionally, dental schools typically have clinics that may offer lower rates for services provided by students who are supervised by faculty. For more information, search the American Student Dental Association for a list of dental schools and contact them directly.

Services at a dental school can range from $15 to $50 for standard cleaning, oral exam, and x-rays. Keep in mind that, along with possibly lower cost, you may spend more time in treatment. Services completed by students and supervised by faculty can last anywhere from two to four hours.

Related Article: What is Teeth Scaling?