How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Depending on where you live and the severity of the type of teeth cleaning that is needed, the price can vary on how much it could actually cost. Regardless of the cost, it is still important to get a dental checkup at least twice a year to practice safe and healthy dental hygiene and to help prevent most dental diseases.
Types of Dental Cleanings:
- Prophylaxis cleaning: This is the twice-a-year cleaning that helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay. This is usually done with the scaler or water stream to clean the teeth, and a polish to help remove stains and adds the shine to the teeth.
- Root planing and scaling cleaning: This procedure is used if the plaque is accumulating below the gumline and requires a deep cleaning. Root planing helps smooth the root surface and helps gum reattachment to get rid of any open pockets that harbor bacteria.
- Periodontal maintenance cleaning: This is a follow-up to scaling and root planing. It helps keep the periodontal disease in remission. This cleaning is done more frequently in those more at risk of gum disease.
- Gross debridement cleaning: If plaque and tartar are severely building up, it will start to harden into calculus. Due to this, a special electric tool is used to remove that excess buildup on and between the teeth. This may take longer depending on the severity of the situation.
- In some cases, first visits to the dentist will also have an X-ray as part of the procedure. This is usually taken before a final checkup to help look for any oral issues that can’t be seen on the surface. They use it to conduct an oral cancer screening of your jaw, tongue, and neck, as well as your teeth, for all-around care and planning.
How much do dental cleanings cost?
Depending on where you live, where you choose to do the procedure will be different cost. The national average for a routine teeth cleaning in the US is an average of $203, but elsewhere it can differ from $50 to $350. The cheapest average is $153 in New Hampshire, to $263 in North Dakota.
Good news, though, most dental insurances will cover up to two free cleanings a year, depending on your policy. In some other cases, an X-ray once a year may be covered as well.
The cost of the dental cleaning visit can also be covered with the CareCredit credit card, which is another way of financing any health, dental, or pet health needs on a card that your insurance company won’t fully cover.
Who to talk to about financing your dental cleaning?
Before making a reservation with the dentist or specialist, make sure to contact your insurance provider to see what can be covered under your plan. Also, talking to your dentist or the receptionist staff at the dental office can help you figure out the cost and how much insurance is going to cover for the procedure.
Related Article: Ask your Dentist the Right Questions