- Frequently a teeth cleaning appointment will also include dental X-rays and an exam by the dentist. The total cost for an appointment with these additional services can be $100-$300 or more, depending on local rates and the number and type of X-rays. For example, CostHelper readers report paying $114-$320 for a complete teeth cleaning appointment, with an average cost of $198.
- Dental insurance typically covers 100% of the cost of a teeth cleaning once or twice a year as necessary preventive care, but not more often -- and some plans may have a maximum amount they will pay for a cleaning, which can be less than what the dentist charges. CostHelper readers with dental insurance report that their total cost was covered for cleanings once or twice a year, but not more frequently.
- The more extensive deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing is typically done by quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left). Costs start at about $100-$450 for a single quadrant, but it can run $500-$4,000 or more for a full-mouth deep cleaning, depending on the amount of work needed -- how deeply they have to clean; if antibiotic injections are used to speed healing in a particularly deep pocket around an individual tooth ($35-$85 per injection/tooth); or for patients who have gone a long time between dental treatments , cutting away excess buildup so the gums are visible and can be evaluated and cleaned ($75-$150, called full-mouth debridement). CostHelper readers without dental insurance report paying $390-$3,800 for deep cleaning, for an average cost of $1,257.
- Dental insurance typically covers some of the cost of deep cleaning procedures, depending on the terms of the policy or plan. CostHelper readers with dental insurance coverage for deep cleaning report paying $360-$437 out of pocket, with an average cost of $377.
What should be included:
- Teeth cleaning appointments for new patients typically also include an exam and X-rays, and periodically (perhaps once a year) include these services for returning patients. If a patient shows signs of early gum disease, the dentist may recommend teeth cleanings be done three or four times a year, instead of once or twice; the extra appointments generally won't be covered by insurance.
- In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist (working under a dentist's supervision) removes soft plaque and hard tartar (mineralized plaque that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed with professional instruments) from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process usually takes about 30-60 minutes. A dental assistant explains what to expect[1] during a teeth cleaning.
- Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure generally done when the depths of the pockets around the teeth are deeper than 3 millimeters. Plaque and tartar above and below the gum line are scraped away (scaling) and rough spots on the root are smoothed (planing) to remove bacteria and give a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. This is done using a local anesthetic and generally requires two to four office visits, each lasting 45 minutes to an hour. The American Dental Association gives an overview of scaling and root planing[2] .
- The National Institutes of Health provides an overview of gum disease prevention[3] .
Related Costs: Braces,
Dental Veneers,
Cavity Filling,
Teeth Whitening,
Fluoride Treatment,
Straightening Teeth
Discounts:- Some dentists offer discount coupons for new patients for a cleaning, exam and X-rays for $40-$90. Always check an unfamiliar dentist with the American Dental Association[4] . Some CostHelper readers report feeling pressured to pay for additional services when using a coupon for a low-cost teeth cleaning.
- Dental schools typically have a clinic offering discounted rates for services by supervised students or faculty. The American Student Dental Association[5] maintains a list of dental schools. CostHelper readers report paying $15-$50 for a standard teeth cleaning, exam and X-rays at a dental hygienist school (with some noting that their appointment took four hours).
Shopping for teeth cleaning:- WedMD lists factors to consider when choosing a dentist[6] .
- If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists. Or, get referrals to local dentists from the American Dental Association[7] or the Amcerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry[8] .
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
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Dental cost help for Implants and dentures and bottom parial
Amount: $0.00 Posted by: Fatimah Abdul
From: Lancaster, CA
Posted On: February 2nd, 2022 12:02AM
Type: Implants dentures and bottom partialpla
Ineed A bottom partial plate to be able to eat! Also more importantly I need help with the payment for top denture and IMPLANTS WITH THE SCREWS For the upper mouth im a senior citizen and I'm permanently disabled
Basic cleaning
Amount: $150.00 Posted by: Bubblegum
From: Dix Hills, NY
Posted On: September 30th, 2021 08:09PM
Type: Cash
My Endodentist says he usually charges $215.00 with insurance and charged me $150.00 without. I think it was a ripoff because I have very few “clean” ( he said) natural teeth, with mostly caps (done by him) and no exams or flossing. It was a simple job. What’s up with that? Definitely felt I was taken advantage of.
Dental Implants
Amount: $9,600.00 Posted by: Tim G
From: Bullhead City, AZ
Posted On: February 16th, 2021 07:02AM
Type: Full Dental Implants
I wish I could smile but I cannot because I was passed down a serious problem with my teeth they are all cracked and broken and painful ! I have a full time job and still can not get close to paying for implants . It’s even very hard for me to eat most things .
Deep Cleaning
Amount: $3,634.00 Posted by: Mark Burg
From: Rockville, MD, MD
Posted On: October 2nd, 2020 02:10AM
Type: SRP with Laser
What a bunch of rubbish, this procedure was part of a $26,000.00 full lower implant so the cleaning was only for the upper teeth.
Deep cleaning
Amount: $951.00 Posted by: A HALL
From: Springfield, MO
Posted On: November 22nd, 2019 12:11PM
If a dentist charges $163 per quadrant for deep cleaning, what if one quadrant has only 2 teeth? And what is normal cost of antibiotics? I brush and floss 2 x daily and was charged over $300 for antibiotics. Anyone able to answer?
Teeth Cleaning
Amount: $300.00 Posted by: Irmfried Thadani
From: Henderson, NV
Posted On: July 16th, 2019 01:07PM
I have 8 of my natural teeth left. I was charged $ 300.00. Outrageous
Deep Cleaning per Quadrant w/o Insurance
Amount: $260.00 Posted by: Joyce Devers
From: Houston, TX
Posted On: May 8th, 2019 05:05PM
Type: Deep Cleaning
We recently found a dentist office that charges $260 per quadrant. Two years ago, paid $450 for one quadrant. Never went back. Now I request complimentary consultation that includes x/rays, and total cost of procedures from several offices and than make my choice. Consultations are free.
Scam
Amount: $600.00 Posted by: James Scott Beran
From: Berwyn, IL
Posted On: April 11th, 2019 07:04AM
Type: Root
15 years ago I needed an implant. That dentist said I needed a root planing before the implant could be implanted. Went back and he did the implant. My pockets were a lot of 1, a few 2 and 1 three. Went back to get the deep cleaning.No nova cane was necessary. My regular dentist said, that he forgot to tell me NOT to get the deep cleaning. I was told to go back to the specialist twice a year and my regular dentist twice a year. My regular dentist said there is nothing they can do that I can't do. We will cut him out of the loop.
Full Mouth Debridement as “Intermediate” cleaning in south Florida.
Amount: $95.00 Posted by: Florida Retiree 68
From: Lake Worth, FL
Posted On: February 18th, 2019 03:02PM
Type: Cleaning by Hygenist
I never heard of an Intermeiate cleaning until today. The dental office stated our Humana Medicare plan will “not” cover the intermediate or deep cleanings, only standard.
My husband had the “intermediate” cleaning and guess what, it was less time and less work invested than regular cleanings we have both had. I immediately cancelled my scheduled cleaning, and searched my plan book. It covers a regular cleaning, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) up to one per year.
This Intermeiate cleaning is just another rip off for unnecessary dental services.
Teeth cleaning
Amount: $0.00 Posted by: Carolyn mcLehany
From: Houston, TX
Posted On: February 13th, 2019 01:02AM
Type: Deep cleaning
I was told it would be $1100.00, so I declined.
Deep cleaning
Amount: $9,999.00 Posted by: Tasha Nicole
From: Philadelphia, PA
Posted On: May 23rd, 2018 08:05AM
Type: RDH
As a dental hygienist with 22 years experience, I can tell you “DEEP CLEANING” is not a SCAM!
1st and foremost remember your insurance coverage is to assist with treatment payments. Just because you don’t have coverage for a specific treatment, does not mean it’s not necessary. We do not plan your treatment according to your insurance coverage. Your recommended treatment is planned according to your needs.
2nd, the law in most states does require that as practitioners we cannot “just clean” a mouth that requires a “deep cleaning” Doing such would be considered supervised neglect and would be grounds for a malpractice suit.
3rdly a deep cleaning is generally recommended when there is tartar or calculus build up below the gum line, moderate gum inflammation, tartar build up throughout the mouth. The measurements taken, 1-9mm and a full set of Xrays, will help determine the severity of your case.
I hope this helps.
Its a Racket Part 3
Amount: $2,790.00 Posted by: East Coast Chris
From: Phila, PA
Posted On: February 5th, 2018 08:02PM
Type: Deep Cleaning
Part 3
So the opposite side of, but in line with your thinking would be that I shouldn’t pay hardly anything because all your equipment and electric etc is already covered.
Your hygienist who “allegedly” is making 53$+ an hour (lucky if she is at half that) does 90% of the job by hand. Of my appointment only 20 minutes are actually spent with her hands in my mouth. That’s why it is multiple appointments. Try charging 1500$/ hour and see the back lash. That is why we need terms like scaling. You can not charge 1500 for “scraping” your teeth. That would be outrageous. Another tell tale sign it is a scam is at the end of my 1st visit I asked as to the costs and nobody could even ball park the price as if I am the only one to ever need this treatment. But after I got rocked with my bill I questioned the cost. They read it down like the menu was rite in front of their face, prior to the procedure not a clue. So please, after you jam it up our butts, have the common decency of not lie too.
Its a Racket Part 2
Amount: $2,790.00 Posted by: East Coast Chris
From: Phila, PA
Posted On: February 5th, 2018 08:02PM
Type: Deep Cleaning
Part 2
I am a self employed contractor so I understand the costs involved that are not easily recognized by your clients. And when you list your 10K chair, equipment, electric, rent, water, napkins, rinse cups, etc. you end up with a pretty big list. What you don’t include however is an actual bread down of the costs per patient. I mean that list makes it look like your taking it in the shorts. A thousand to clean your teeth doesn’t even cover the chair you bought for me to sit in. But after ten years and thousands of patients my cost on that chair is really less the a couple dollars. I choose to drive a truck that cost me 12K$ used in excellent condition. If I drive a new 60K$ truck can I now charge you a lot more for hanging your siding? I buy equipment based on will it improve my quality in less time resulting in a profit for me. Not to raise my prices. Before I went to my dentist he did not even know I existed. Thus his equipment purchase was not based on me at all.
Its a Racket Part 1
Amount: $2,790.00 Posted by: East Coast Chris
From: Phila, PA
Posted On: February 5th, 2018 08:02PM
Type: Deep Cleaning
I feel a small bit of comfort from reading the posts from others. Sadly I have to admit it is only because I'm not the only one. This is purely a unified fee scale that has been pusher to these levels by dentists that have more balls then morals to push the pricing envelope. My procedure was done by the hygienist or "employee" of the dentist. He only came in at the end of the second cleaning (done in halves 510$ 1st & 550$ 2nd) to explain (repeat the hygienist) what was the next part of his plan. That 2 minute conversation was additional 38$. Along with my first exam of just X-rays (380$) I'm at 1440$. I need a couple filings as 1 he previously put in came out and broke my other tooth while chewing. My next appointment ten days later will be over 1300$ because after gum swelling goes down he has to clean again for another 525$ Plus the filings. As to the dentist that commented about how these prices are fare base upon his equipment and electric and goody bags etc. I offer this.
teeth ckeaning
Amount: $160.00 Posted by: Corinne zavolta
From: GRANTS PASS, OR
Posted On: January 31st, 2018 11:01AM
Type: cleaning
I know for certain that Dentistry is the most competitive game (I should say like everything else today). It is ridiculous to see what some of you paid. There is a Dentist here in Grants Pass that advertises "compassionate care" which translates to me like "rip off old people." Check around and run the Dentist on the web.
Teeth Cleaning
Amount: $3,300.00 Posted by: Daniel H
From: WEST BURLINGTON, IA
Posted On: January 19th, 2018 12:01PM
Type: Deep Cleaning
I went to get a cleaning and my insurance claims to cover yearly cleaning so gave insurance info then had cleaning done. Afterwards insurance would only pay $500 and I was billed $2800! Feeling ripped off.
Irritated
Amount: $146.00 Posted by: Uncleaned and unsatisfied
From: Buford, GA
Posted On: August 2nd, 2017 11:08PM
Type: Debridement
Hadn't gone to the dentist in a couple of years and had recently received dental insurance. Old dentist not in the network and a dentist in network is 100% covered by insurance for routine visits. New dentist does a set of full x-rays and tell me I need a debridement cleaning which is not covered at all by insurance. Says it will cost $146 cash in full and they will not accept payments of any kind. I didn't have the cash right then so they refused to do a routine cleaning. Said it would be malpractice. I can't get a second opinion because the insurance only covers x-rays every so often. I feel like I got the short end of the stick here. They should have at least accepted payments.
Examination required for cleaning
Amount: $70.00 Posted by: Joe Susta
From: Yorktown, VA
Posted On: May 18th, 2017 04:05PM
I was told by the receptionist that THE LAW REQUIRES A DENTIST EXAMINATION EVERY YEAR TO PERFORM THE DENTAL CLEANING. Is there such a law in Virginia?
deep cleaning
Amount: $1,500.00 Posted by: Pretty63
From: Hastings, FL
Posted On: May 10th, 2017 09:05AM
Type: with insurance discount
I have gone to same dentist for 15 years. Loved him. Moved to Florida called to get teeth cleaned and yes faithful about my teeth being cleaned and yes I floss every day. I am told I cannot have a prevent cleaning because they recommended the deep cleaning and its a florida law that if recommended for deep cleaning tbey cannot do just a cleaning regardless if you can afford it or not. so I guess if this law is true then you don't get a cleaning at all unless you pay this crazy price. I have been searching for Said law and have not located it as yet. I believe its a total scam and the cost unbelieveable. so now its we cant treat you unless you do our 1500 treatment plan. What? scam I say scam
Deep Cleaning Scaling
Amount: $550.00 Posted by: fifteenhandicap
From: Vista, CA
Posted On: December 15th, 2016 12:12PM
Hadn't been to the dentist in about 2 years. I don't floss often - maybe twice a week and i have a bridge and about six caps on other teeth. Anyhow new dentist recommended a deep cleaning with my gum pockets measuring 3 to 5 mm. I have a PPO dental plan but was still charged %550 out of pocket. This seems a little excessive for two visits totaling 1 and 1/2 hours.
Teeth Cleaning and Xrays
Amount: $245.00 Posted by: R. C. Hall
From: Suffolk, VA
Posted On: August 31st, 2016 05:08AM
I hadn't been to my dentist for 3 years. I take pretty good care of my teeth, brushing at least 2 times a day, sometimes 3. Admittedly, I rarely floss. It would be reasonable to assume that it took the dental assistant longer to clean my teeth than cleaning teeth of a patient who comes in twice a year like their supposed to. I feel like $245 for cleaning and Xrays was a bargain.
deep cleaning
Amount: $500.00 Posted by: Louis Calvert
From: San Jose, CA
Posted On: August 16th, 2016 06:08PM
Type: 4 quadrants
That's $500 WITH Delta Dental insurance! I was showed an invoice listing $125 insurance and $125 patient fee per quadrant. This dentist also wants to schedule me for a cleaning every 4 months. I think she's trying to pay off her student loans by overcharging. Date 8/16/2016
Deep Cleaning $750.00 Per Single Quadrant!
Amount: $3,000.00 Posted by: Your Kidding!
From: San Francsico, CA
Posted On: July 21st, 2016 05:07PM
I have not had this procedure done, but after researching I found the charge my Dentist is offering is way more that a normal charge! So the person who had this procedure done for $960 for all four quadrants in Alpharetta,GA considered yourself lucky!
Regular cleaning
Amount: $99.00 Posted by: Recently uninsured
From: Sanford, FL
Posted On: June 27th, 2016 11:06AM
Type: Normal Hygiene visit
no x-rays. $99 is cash price just for cleaning.
Full scaling
Amount: $380.00 Posted by: Uptowner
From: Chicago, IL
Posted On: May 9th, 2016 02:05PM
Type: Full scaling
Two one-hour sessions completing all quads and a cavity on molar. Total bill 440 with Delta Dental IL insurance.
Teeth Cleaning
Amount: $79.00 Posted by: Chris Daggett
From: Bellevue, WA
Posted On: April 22nd, 2016 04:04PM
I want to start a teeth cleaning business. Thats all we would do. Your teeth would be cleaned by a lic dental hygienist. Would you go to such a person? No x-rays, just a cleaning. Would be able to walk in. Open 7 days a week, mall hours.
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