How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?

Wondering how much does a dental cleaning cost? Routine dental cleanings are a critical aspect of oral health, and most professionals suggest receiving these services every six months. However, the cost of your dental cleaning will vary based on numerous factors.

While we can’t offer an exact price point without knowing the details of your situation, we can give you some general guidelines to help you estimate how much your cleaning may cost. Join us to learn about dental cleaning prices with and without insurance. 

What impacts the cost of dental cleanings?

A wide range of factors may affect the overall cost of your dental cleaning. Here are a few to consider: 

Type of dental cleaning

Regular dental cleanings are the basic service you’ll usually get if you maintain a consistent six-month appointment schedule. During this preventative procedure, your dental hygienist will remove any plaque that has accumulated on the surface of your teeth, and your dentist will perform a standard examination to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. 

Patients who haven’t kept up with their six-month checkups or those who have significant plaque or tartar may require a deep cleaning to eliminate any buildup on the teeth and prevent complications like gum disease. 

Dental issues addressed

It’s possible that your dentist may find problems during a standard cleaning or a deep cleaning. If they discover anything out of the ordinary during their exam, you can expect the cost to be reflected in your bill. Most dentists also require annual X-rays to rule out any issues brewing below the gumline. 

Average costs of dental cleanings in your area

Your geographic location and the dental practice you visit for your cleaning will both play an important role in your overall costs. Generally speaking, clinics in big cities and metropolitan areas will be more expensive than those in more rural locations. Similarly, private practices may have higher fee schedules than other facilities. 

How much does a dental cleaning cost with insurance?

Dental insurance typically covers the costs of routine exams and teeth cleanings twice a year. However, your plan may require you to pay a small out-of-pocket copay. 

Deep clean vs routine dental cleaning

Dental insurance coverage terms vary by plan, but many companies pay a smaller percentage of the overall costs for deep cleanings. That said, they usually cover all or most of the costs of preventative dental care like basic cleanings and X-rays. This is a great reason to stick to a regular cleaning schedule and practice great oral hygiene at home! 

In-network vs out-of-network providers

To get the most out of your dental insurance, it’s important to visit an in-network provider. These dentists are contracted with your insurance company to perform cleanings, exams, and other procedures. 

Additional fees not covered by insurance

Many dental plans don’t cover optional services like sedation or devices like orthodontic appliances and dental implants. Additionally, most plans include frequency limitations, so don’t expect to get more than two cleanings per year without paying full price. Of course, if you’re taking care of your teeth at home, biannual cleanings should be plenty. 

How much does a dental cleaning cost without insurance?

Patients without dental insurance will need to pay the costs of cleanings without the help of an insurance company. Here are a few factors that affect the price of your treatment:

Type of dental cleaning being performed

On average, preventative dental cleanings typically cost between $125 and $300. Deep cleanings are more expensive and may incur fees of over $1,000. Clearly, the condition of your teeth and gums will impact the cost of your dental cleaning, so it’s best to maintain healthy oral hygiene practices for your physical and financial well-being. 

Fees associated with additional services

Exams, X-rays, and other preventative services may or may not be included in the cost of your dental cleaning. If your dentist discovers tooth decay requiring a filling or root canal, you may feel a bit of sticker shock when you receive your bill. Be aware that there may be additional fees for using a credit card. 

Most dental practices are happy to work out financing plan options or discounts to help uninsured patients maintain optimal oral health. 

New patient vs established patient costs

New patient visits are often more expensive than those for established patients, as they may require X-rays, screenings, thorough exams, and more comprehensive cleanings. However, many dental centers offer new patient specials or even free services for new patients to offset these costs. Be sure to ask about their savings options!

Explore your options to keep your smile bright at Coral Reef Dental!

At Coral Reef Dental, we’re committed to treating each patient like family. We offer comprehensive dental services, from routine cleanings to implants. We also offer sedation dentistry to ensure the most comfortable experience possible. 

Whether you’re looking for a new dentist for preventive care, you need an extraction, or you’re suffering from complications due to sleep apnea, we’re happy to work with you to achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment!