How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?

How much is a dental cleaning without insurance?

Without insurance, the average teeth cleaning costs $104, though it can range from $50 to $350.

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, tartar can build up on your teeth over time. Tartar is hardened plaque that you can’t remove with brushing alone and may contribute to gum disease and other issues.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 screening: Your hygienist may examine your mouth to look for cavities, gum inflammation and other dental issues.
• X-rays: Your hygienist may order X-rays to get a better view of your teeth’s roots, supporting bone and surrounding structures.
• Fluoride treatment: Your hygienist may offer you a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel and help reduce your risk of cavities.
• Dentist check: Finally, your dentist may come in to review your X-rays and address any concerns from your oral health screening.

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.

Since deep cleanings are more complex, they typically take longer and cost more than routine cleanings. Fortunately, some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost.

Aflac’s primary dental insurance for individuals and families can help cover deep cleanings. Meanwhile, our supplemental dental insurance provides cash benefits for eligible dental expenses that aren’t covered by your primary plan.