The cost of dental cleanings can vary based on your insurance coverage, type of cleaning, geographical location, and age. When thinking about the cost of dental care, it is important to consider whether or not you plan to purchase separate dental insurance. Most plans cover 100 percent of the cost of routine cleanings, while without insurance, the cost typically ranges from $100 to $200.
Dental care is equally important as traditional healthcare. Having affordable and accessible comprehensive healthcare coverage is essential to managing your overall health and well-being. With a Mira membership, you get access to urgent care visits, low-cost lab testing, and discounted prescriptions for as low as $45 a month. Sign up today!
Cost of Teeth Cleaning With and Without Dental Insurance
Most dental insurance plans will completely cover the cost of standard teeth cleanings, but without insurance, you may have to pay between $100 and $200. Deeper and more invasive cleanings can cost up to $900 with insurance and $1,800 without insurance.
Estimating the exact cost of your dental cleanings can be difficult to pinpoint due to four main factors that impact the cost of care: location, type of cleaning required, insurance status, and dental history. Below we explain how these factors may influence how much you pay for teeth cleaning at the dentist.
The type of cleaning you are receiving directly impacts the cost of care, with or without dental insurance coverage. Three main types of cleaning are Adult Teeth Cleaning, Scaling and Root Planing, and Periodontal Maintenance.
| Type of Cleaning | Estimated Cost with insurance | Estimated Cost without insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Teeth Cleaning | $0 | $100 - $200 |
| Scaling and Root planning (for the entire mouth) | $400 - $900 | $1,000 - $1,800 |
| Periodontal Maintenance | Varies | $150 - $300 |
Adult Prophylaxis (Regular Teeth Cleaning):
- With insurance: Often covered at 100%, with no out-of-pocket cost
- Without insurance: Approximately $75 - $200
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning):
- With insurance: Approximately $150 - $250 per quadrant after copay or coinsurance
- Without insurance: Approximately $200 - $400 per quadrant
Periodontal Maintenance:
- With insurance: Often partially covered with a copay, costs vary
- Without insurance: Approximately $100 - $250 per visit
Other Popular Dental Procedures
Dental Fillings:
- With insurance: Approximately $50 - $150 per filling after copay or coinsurance, depending on the filling material
- Without insurance: Approximately $100 - $300 per filling, depending on the complexity and material
Tooth Extraction (Non-surgical):
- With insurance: Approximately $75 - $150
- Without insurance: Approximately $150 - $300
Surgical Tooth Extraction:
- With insurance: Approximately $150 - $350
- Without insurance: Approximately $225 - $600
Root Canal (depending on tooth):
- With insurance: Approximately $300 - $800 after copay or coinsurance
- Without insurance: Approximately $700 - $1,500
Dental Crowns:
- With insurance: Typically covered at 50%, with an average cost of $500 - $1,500 after coverage
- Without insurance: Approximately $1,000 - $3,000, depending on the material
Dental Implants (per tooth):
- With insurance: Coverage varies significantly; a portion may be covered with an average out-of-pocket cost of $1,500 - $3,000
- Without insurance: Approximately $3,000 - $4,500
Orthodontic Treatment (Braces or Clear Aligners):
- With insurance: Coverage varies; out-of-pocket costs can be between $1,500 - $3,500
- Without insurance: Approximately $3,000 - $7,500, depending on the complexity and duration of treatment
Cost of Dental Procedures Overseas
Latin America:
Mexico: Many patients from the United States and Canada travel to Mexico due to its proximity. Dental procedures can cost 50-70% less than in the US. Teeth cleaning can be as low as $30, while dental implants may range from $750 to $1,500.
Costa Rica: Known for its high-quality dental care, Costa Rica offers services like teeth cleaning for about $50 to $80 and dental implants between $800 to $1,200.
Eastern Europe:
Hungary: This country is a hub for European dental tourism because of its high standard of care at low costs. Teeth cleaning can cost around $50, and dental implants can start from around $700.
Poland: Offering competitive prices, dental fillings in Poland may cost from $30 to $100, while dental crowns can range from $300 to $600.
Asia:
Thailand: A popular destination for its renowned hospitality and affordable dental care, teeth cleanings can cost between $30 and $70. Dental implants can be found for as low as $1,000.
India: Renowned for its cost efficiency, dental procedures in India such as dental fillings might start from $20, and teeth cleanings from as low as $10.
Middle East:
- Turkey: It's an emerging destination for dental tourism with a reputation for quality care at lower prices than most of Europe. A teeth cleaning can cost around $40, while dental implants may range from $500 to $1,000.
Africa:
- South Africa: The country offers not only safari vacations but also competitive prices for dental work. Teeth cleaning might cost around $40, and dental fillings can be done for $50 to $100.
Oceania:
- Australia and New Zealand: The cost of dental care in these countries is generally high, although sometimes lower than in the US. Teeth cleaning typically starts from $100 in both countries. However, they’re not commonly sought after for dental tourism due to the higher prices.
Factors That Influence The Final Cost
Location
Certain parts of the country and geographical areas have a higher overall cost of living. Secondary factors such as the cost of rent in a given area impact operation and services expenses for patients and providers. Typically cleanings are less expensive in rural areas than in larger metropolitan cities. If you live in a metropolitan area, you can look at dentist offices in surrounding areas to compare prices of cleaning services.
Dental History
People missing routine cleanings may have active oral problems, such as gum disease and excessive plaque build-up. Patients with such conditions might need specialized cleaning called debridement, a deep cleaning before the examination. It's important to note that the better your preventive and routine care is, the less your cleaning will cost.
Dental Insurance
Preventive and regular dental care and cleanings reduce your future cost of more severe oral care. Insurance companies cover 100 percent of dental cleaning costs; however, you might need to meet a deductible or pay a copay if you require deep cleaning. If you do not have insurance, you are responsible for 100 percent of the cost of care.
Possible Outcomes of Missing Teeth Cleanings
Regular cleanings can help detect oral health problems before they get worse and even prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Missing routine cleanings can lead to some of the following issues:
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Cavities and tooth decay occur underneath built-up tartar and plaque and are impossible to remove on your own. Tooth decay can occur anywhere on the tooth — including in between teeth — and must be removed at a dental office.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can develop when plaque is constantly irritating the gum line. The gum line becomes inflamed and creates small pockets that hold bacteria, excess food, and plaque. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is caused by white hardened plaque, tartar, and dental stains that are made of bacteria. As the bacteria rests on your teeth and in your mouth, it causes an unpleasant odor that is bad breath and can only be fixed by removing the spots with professional cleaning.
Pregnancy Complications
Throughout pregnancy, expecting mothers experience an increase in hormone fluctuation that can make them more susceptible to infection and disease. Because infections spread throughout the bloodstream, the bacteria caused by problems such as gum disease can negatively impact the baby.
How Often Should You Get A Teeth Cleaning?
The American Dental Association recommends individuals get their teeth cleaned and examined at minimum once a year; however, you should aim to have routine dental cleanings at least twice a year or every six months. Visiting your dentist every six months provides a smaller window of opportunity for oral diseases to go unnoticed and reduces the amount of plaque and tartar build-up.
If you have pre-existing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, or a family history of oral disease, you should get your teeth cleaned and examined more frequently, typically about every 3-4 months.
What is Included in Routine Cleanings?
Having your teeth cleaned regularly by a professional is painless, non-invasive and usually can be completed pretty quickly, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar build-up.
General teeth cleanings involve:
- Initial examination of teeth
- Removal of plaque and tartar
- Teeth polishing
- Extensive flossing
- Fluoride treatment (if recommended and deemed necessary by dental provider)
- Questions about current oral hygiene routine and new recommendations
Dental Insurance Cost and Coverage
When it comes to dental insurance, there are several types available that cater to different needs. The average monthly premium for these plans can vary widely based on the level of coverage, the insurer, geographic location, and whether the insurance is obtained through an employer, a group, or purchased individually. Below are some of the popular types of dental insurance along with their average monthly premiums and coverage policies for teeth cleaning:
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO):
- Average monthly premium: $20 - $50
- Coverage policy: Typically covers 100% of preventive care, including teeth cleanings, usually limited to twice a year.
Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO):
- Average monthly premium: $10 - $35
- Coverage policy: Usually covers preventive services like teeth cleanings at 100%, but patients must choose from a network of dentists for the lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Indemnity Plans:
- Average monthly premium: $20 - $60
- Coverage policy: Often covers preventive services such as teeth cleanings at 80% to 100%, depending on the plan. Patients have the freedom to choose any dentist.
Discount Dental Plans (Not traditional insurance):
- Average monthly premium: $10 - $30 (membership fees)
- Coverage policy: Provides a discount on teeth cleanings and other dental services when using in-network providers. Discounts can vary.
Dental Cleaning and Cost Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section answers some frequently asked questions about the cost of teeth cleanings. If you have specific questions about teeth cleanings, you should speak to your dentist.
Should I do a traditional or deep cleaning?
If you haven’t had a dental cleaning in a while, deep cleaning might be the perfect choice to get you back on track with oral hygiene and get rid of any long-term plaque and tartar buildup. If you have been skipping regular cleaning appointments, you may show early signs of bacteria pockets and gum diseases, which are not obvious until they become more severe.
It's important to note that the decision regarding the type of cleaning needed should be made by your dentist and dental hygienist when they are examining your teeth in real-time. Furthermore, they can accurately access the next steps based on your current oral health conditions, provider proper treatments, and at-home suggestions.
What should I consider before getting a dental insurance plan?
Before enrolling in any type of dental plan, you should consider if the plan will save you money. Even though insurance coverage pays for 100 percent of preventive services, it might be contradictory to pay more money for insurance coverage than you would for the service out of pocket.
It's also important to consider your needs in the future. If you already have extensive dental problems or have a predisposition to oral health issues, dental insurance can protect you from having to pay the entire procedure out of pocket. Beyond your personal needs, think about if anyone in your family might need braces or oral surgery in the future. Some insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage can reduce the cost of these services. In short, you may benefit from dental Insurance if you:
- Go to the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
- Often need additional services when going to the dentist
- Unable to pay the cost of dental procedure out-of-pocket
- Have a large family with children who need regular dental care
Are there other ways to save on dental care and cleaning without an insurance plan?
Without insurance, certain dental services can have a high out-of-pocket cost, with basic cleanings starting at $100. However, there are other ways to find affordable dental care and cleanings.
- Dental Schools — you can get high-quality dental treatments and cleanings at local dental and dental hygiene schools. Usually, the cost is a fraction of what you would pay at a private practice. Additionally, many schools accept Medicaid.
- Community Health Centers — Community health centers are usually federally qualified to provide high-quality dental care in addition to other health services at a lower cost.
- State Programs — If you meet certain income or unemployment factors, you may be eligible to receive dental cleanings at zero cost. It's common to see these programs through charity pop-up dental programs that offer free service 1-2 times per year.
Bottom Line
Keeping up with your dental cleaning and overall oral hygiene is essential to managing your health. Setting up bi-annual visits with your dental provider paired with developing a good at-home dental routine can reduce your risk of developing oral diseases. Nevertheless, it's never too late to start a regular cleaning routine, determine the cost of your cleaning, and invest in dental insurance.
In addition to dental insurance, a Mira membership can be an excellent way to receive comprehensive health coverage that doesn’t break the bank. For a monthly fee of $45, Mira can help you save on many healthcare services. Learn More and start saving today.