How Much Does Dental Cleaning Cost?

If it has been a while since your last dental cleaning, you may be nervous to schedule one. That is to be expected! Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining your optimal oral health and preventing gum disease and tooth loss. If several years have passed since your last professional dental cleaning, you may be wondering how much a routine cleaning and check-up costs. Below is more information on the typical costs associated with professional dental cleanings and some affordable approaches to scheduling your next visit to see your dental provider.

Typical Costs of a Professional Dental Cleaning

On average, a standard dental cleaning by a certified oral hygienist costs an estimated $127 per cleaning, but can range anywhere from $75-$200. This wide range in average costs is due to several factors, such as the city or state you live in, how established the dental office is, external financial factors, and what is included in the cleaning procedure.

For new patients, a typical dental cleaning procedure usually includes a review of medical and dental history, a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and a thorough cleaning by a certified oral hygienist. If you are a new patient or have not seen your provider for some time, X-rays are an important addition that comes with an added charge. The X-rays help your dentist evaluate the health of your teeth and jawbones. Depending on the X-rays needed, your cleaning visit may cost $100-$300 more.

Once your dentist performs their evaluation, they may have additional recommendations, such as a deep cleaning procedure or additional preventive treatments. This deep cleaning, technically called scaling and root planing, may be needed depending on the amount of plaque and tartar accumulation. Scaling and root planing may be recommended for adults who show signs of early-stage gum disease. If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning procedure, it will be scheduled for a follow-up visit with estimated costs ranging between $500-$4,000.

Affordable Approaches to Dental Cleanings

Most dental insurance plans will cover 100% of an annual dental cleaning for preventive care. If you do not have dental insurance, there are still several other affordable options available to you. Many dentists offer discounted rates for new patients. You can start by calling local dental offices and asking for the estimated cost of a dental cleaning for a new patient. These discounted rates usually range from $40-$90 for a cleaning, exam, and X-rays.

Another affordable option is to get your cleaning and dental care from a dental school clinic. Most dental schools have clinics where supervised students or faculty perform affordable cleanings and routine exams. A cleaning from a dental school clinic may cost between $15-$50 for a cleaning, exam, and X-rays.

The most important thing to remember is that maintaining routine dental cleanings at least once per year is the best way to avoid the potentially higher costs of deep cleaning or additional procedures in the future. If you are not sure where to find a good dentist, you can start by visiting your insurance provider’s website or searching the American Dental Association or the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry website for dentists in your area.

Related Article: What is Teeth Scaling?