What is the Cost of a Teeth Cleaning?

By Shelby Tatomir on October 10, 2017 in Insurance

Wouldn’t it be great if you knew the cost of a dental appointment before you stepped into the dentist’s office? Dental anxiety is number 5 on the list of most commonly feared situations. So, we thought we’d make the experience a little easier by offering some predictability.

Dental cleanings are a necessary part of staying healthy, and dental insurance plays a large role in determining how much you pay.

Here’s what the cost of a teeth cleaning is depending on your level of insurance:

If You Don’t Have Dental Insurance: $100-$300* 

Dental visits can get complicated without dental coverage when you consider all the things that impact the cost of a teeth cleaning. Between the tools, the polish, the x-rays, and the dental care specialists, there’s a lot of work that goes into a dental cleaning. Without dental coverage, these procedures can add up. For example, if your dentist recommends you for X-rays, 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.

If You Do Have Dental Insurance: $0*

When we get our teeth cleaned, it’s categorized as preventive care. With Delta Dental benefits, dental exams and cleanings are usually covered at little to no cost. If you are a new patient, your first exam typically includes an exam, x-rays, and cleanings. Maintaining your routine preventive care can also spot issues before they become bigger problems. It’s always a good ideas to check your coverage before you go to the dentist to see your plan specifics.

Are There Additional Expenses?

Be aware that often times extra cleaning or oral procedures may be needed if you haven’t seen a dentist recently. These additional procedures may include:

• Fillings — The cost depends on the number of fillings and which tooth is being filled.
• Root canals —The price depends on which tooth, which part of the mouth and the amount of work needed.
• Crowns — The cost depends on which tooth.

That’s why preventive dental care is so important. If you brush and floss each morning and night and even after meals — and see your dentist twice a year — you’re much less likely to need further dental work.

Remember that costs may vary by location and your dental plan specifics. Dental insurance usually covers these types of services at a lower level than preventive care. While it’s vital that you brush and floss regularly, it’s also necessary to supplement your efforts with regular professional care. Because dental insurance focuses on prevention, many services such as preventive check-ups and cleanings are usually covered at 100 percent. Dental insurance also helps reduce your out-of-pocket costs for many procedures by sharing the cost with you. Without a dental plan, you would be responsible for the full cost of your treatment.

*See your plan for specific information.

*Updated 2019