How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?

How much is a dental cleaning without insurance?

Without insurance, the average teeth cleaning costs ranges from $75 to $200.

Pricing varies based on the following factors:

• Location: Dentists who operate in high-cost areas may charge more.
• Office type: Private dental practices may charge more than chains, which charge more than community clinics.
• Office type: Private dental practices may charge more than chains or community clinics.
• Experience and reputation: Dentists with more experience or top-ranked offices often charge more for their services.
• Type of cleaning: If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may need a deep cleaning, which is often more expensive than a routine cleaning.
• Additional services: If you need other services during your appointment, you may incur additional costs.

The good news? Many dental insurance plans cover dental cleanings and other preventive services, including Aflac’s network dental insurance.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth over time. Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed through brushing alone and may be associated with gum disease and other oral health concerns.⁴

During a dental cleaning, a hygienist or dentist uses special tools to remove this buildup. After that, they’ll polish and floss your teeth.

Routine dental appointments may also include:

• Oral health evaluation: A dental professional may examine your mouth for signs of cavities, gum inflammation, and other oral health concerns.
• Diagnostic imaging: Images may be taken to provide a closer look at your teeth, supporting bone, and surrounding structures.
• Preventive treatment: A treatment may be recommended to help strengthen tooth enamel and support overall oral health.
• Dentist review: Your dentist may review examination findings, discuss any concerns, and answer questions about your oral health.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

A routine dental cleaning usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. The exact time depends on how busy the office is and the types of services you receive.

Routine dental cleaning vs. deep cleaning

If tartar develops below your gumline, a standard dental cleaning may not be sufficient. In this case, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, which typically involves the following procedures:

• Scaling to remove plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth and underneath the gums.
• Root planing to smooth the roots of your teeth, help your gums reattach, and reduce pockets where bacteria can collect.
• Local anesthesia may be used to reduce any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Because these procedures are typically more extensive than a routine cleaning, they may require additional time and involve different charges.

Coverage and reimbursement for dental services vary by policy. Refer to your policy, certificate, or plan documents for information about covered services, limitations, exclusions, and any applicable cost-sharing requirements.

Aflac offers primary dental insurance for individuals and families that may help individuals manage the cost of dental care. Meanwhile, our supplemental dental insurance can provide cash benefits for eligible dental expenses that may not be covered by your primary plan.