How Much Does a Dental Deep Cleaning Cost?

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may need a deep cleaning — especially if you have signs of gum disease like bleeding or swollen gums. Also called scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning goes underneath your gums to remove plaque and tartar. Without insurance, this procedure may cost up to $350.¹ However, dental insurance plans typically help cover deep cleanings. Read on to learn more about the cost of a deep cleaning with and without insurance and how Aflac dental insurance can offer comprehensive coverage.

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Key Takeaways

Deep cleanings, which help treat gum disease and prevent its progression, could cost between $150 and $350 without insurance.¹
Aflac’s primary dental insurance plans offer coverage for deep cleanings, while our supplemental dental insurance (provides cash benefits for costs not covered by a primary plan) and Dental, Vision and Hearing plans can also help cover this procedure.

Why dental deep cleanings are important

A dental deep cleaning removes tartar and bacteria that build up around the roots of your teeth.² This procedure is a common intervention if you have mild or moderate periodontitis (gum disease) as it can help sore, bleeding gums and prevent tooth loss. In addition to treating periodontitis, there are a few other benefits to deep cleanings:

Prevent the progression of gum disease: Early treatment can help avoid more advanced periodontitis and prevent tooth loss.
Get rid of bad breath: A deep cleaning gets rid of the oral bacteria that cause bad breath, or halitosis.
Improve your overall health: Gum disease can be the start of worse health problems as bacteria in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to other parts of your body and make you sick. A deep cleaning can help prevent worse issues from occurring and affecting your overall health.²

How much does a deep cleaning cost without insurance?

Without insurance, a deep cleaning may cost between $150 and $350.¹ While this cost may be high, the procedure is important because it can remove harmful bacteria and improve your oral health.

Factors that affect the cost of a deep cleaning

Here are some important factors that can affect the cost of a deep cleaning:

Severity of the gum disease

During a deep cleaning, a dentist uses hand scalers or ultrasonic instruments to remove plaque under the gums.² More severe gum disease will mean there’s more to remove, which takes a longer time and, therefore, costs more. If you have to go back for a second visit, that can also increase costs.

Whether you need anesthesia

Deep cleanings can cause discomfort, so dentists often prescribe a local anesthetic. This will typically increase the cost of the procedure.¹

Number of quadrants

Secondary to the severity of gum disease, if most of your mouth is infected, it will require more robust treatment. Your dentist may decide to treat half of your teeth in one visit and the other half in a follow-up. Depending on your plan, you may be able to save money if they complete the entire procedure in one visit.

Your location

Dental costs vary by location because the cost of living isn’t the same everywhere. Dental offices in areas with higher living costs typically have higher prices due to the staff earning a higher income.

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Does dental insurance cover deep cleanings?

Many dental insurance policies will help cover the cost of deep cleanings. You may still have to pay a deductible or co-payment for the visit. Aflac’s primary dental insurance for individuals and families helps cover periodontal maintenance, other non-surgical periodontal services, and surgical periodontal services. Our primary plans offer coverage for preventative care like routine cleanings, basic services like fillings, and major procedures like crowns.

Aflac’s supplemental dental insurance can help cover expenses not covered by your primary plan, like if you have already reached your annual coverage limit. Additionally, our Dental, Vision and Hearing Insurance offers a cost-effective way to get three types of plans in one with a single premium, so you can get the coverage you need to help with procedures like deep cleanings.

How much is a deep cleaning with dental insurance?

Dental insurance can significantly lower the cost of a deep teeth cleaning. Let’s look at an example:

A deep cleaning costs $300 at a dentist’s office.
Your insurance provider considers deep cleanings a basic service and covers 80% of the cost.
Your insurer covers a total of $240, which means you end up paying $60 for the deep cleaning.

Get a quote for dental insurance

Preventing gum disease can be essential for your oral and overall health. Aflac offers primary dental insurance plans for individuals and families with a variety of coverage levels that can help cover deep cleaning costs and reduce out-of-pocket costs. You can also get help covering additional expenses with Aflac’s supplemental dental insurance, or get three types of coverage in one plan with our DVH Insurance. Chat with an agent today to learn more about coverage options and get a quote.

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