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CostHelper.com > Health & Personal Care  > Teeth Cleaning

Teeth Cleaning Cost

How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?

low cost Typically: $50-$135
low cost Deep Cleaning: $400-$1,600

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The main goal of professional teeth cleaning is to prevent gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults over age 40. The US Food & Drug Administration gives an overview of gum disease and how to fight it.
 
Typical costs:
  • The charge for a standard teeth cleaning and dental exam ranges from $50 -$135. Often dental insurance will cover some or all of this cost for a specific number of cleanings each year.
  • The more extensive deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing is done by quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) at a cost of about $100 -$400 per quadrant depending on the severity of the problem or $400 -$1,600 for the entire mouth. Most dental insurance includes these procedures.
What should be included:
  • In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist (working under a dentist's supervision) removes soft plaque and hard tartar (mineralized plaque that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed with professional instruments) from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process requires one office visit and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure generally done when the depths of the pockets around the teeth are deeper than 3 millimeters--an early sign of gum disease. Under local anesthetic, plaque and tartar above and below the gum line are scraped away (scaling) and rough spots on the root are smoothed (planing) to remove bacteria and give a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. This is done using a local anesthetic and generally requires two to four office visits, each lasting around 45 minutes to an hour. The American Dental Association gives an overview of scaling and root planing.
Additional costs:
  • Periodic X-rays ($13 -$135) are needed to see if any problems are developing inside the teeth, and are generally required before cleaning the teeth of a new patient. These are often covered by dental insurance.
  • A full mouth debridement (cleaning away excess buildup so the gums and bones are visible and can be evaluated) at $75 -$150 or more may be needed for new patients who have not had dental treatment for quite awhile. Dental insurance may not cover debridement.
Discounts:
  • Dental college clinics may offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty; check DentalSite.com for school locations.
  • Some dental groups pay partial fees for low-income patients; the American Dental Association lists state associations.
Shopping for teeth cleaning:
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
Article updated November 2007
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Recent Posts
Amount: $1,755.00 Deep Cleaning
Posted by: Karu in Van Nuys, CA.Purchased: 2008
Thank you. This was very helpful. I have not gone to a dentist from about 6 years. I am always scared..But today I had the courgae to go...Today I went for a deep cleaning and it cost $1755. This is including x-rays, anesthesia, medicine and all four quads. for new patients at smile care. It did not hurt that much..I feel much better now..
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Amount: $389.00 New Patient-Consultation and x-ray
Posted by: seriously in Santa Monica, CA.Purchased: October, 2008
Insurance covered $18 it was an out of network dentist. It seems logical to assume I was over-charged?
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Amount: $161.00 Teeth Cleaning
Posted by: Sally T. in Aurora, CO.Purchased: October, 2008
Type: standard
My husband and I went in for teeth cleaning and were charged $161.00 each; we each got a perio exam with charting and there was much improvement; however, the dentist also added $51.00 to my charges for a total of $212.00 for my cleaning. I think this charge was outrageous as I think $161.00 is very high for standard cleaning and should include the period exam. We will be looking for another dentist.
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Amount: $980.00 deep cleaning
Posted by: Mrs.A in Redlands, CA.Purchased: October, 2008
Type: charged for deep
not having been to a dentist for 32 years(chicken) I cracked a tooth and was in great pain so I stopped into the local dentist and explained.After most of the office came in to check this neglected mouth,most commented that I was in good shape for not being seen for so long.the dentist came in and said \"32 years... lets get started with teeth cleaning and the we\'ll pull that tooth. An assistant came in and prepped me for the extraction. Shescrapped a couple of teeth and was called out. The dentist came back in and and scrapped alitle on the other side ,and left the assistint came back and used what apperred to be a buffer,then gave me a shot. Even with the back and forth and trading places it took about 10 to 15 min.
Surprised I was when my insurence was billed $980.00 for a scaling /root planing . I autherized a cleaning , and in the time it took they couldnt of even of done that
thanks to your site I know the difference and can act accordingy
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Amount: $100.00 Dental Cleaning
Posted by: Suzanne M. M. Popp D.D.S. in Coronado, CA.Purchased: February, 2009
Just a few thoughts from a dentist...Out of network dentists are those who refuse to charge less for regular services. You get what you pay for. In my office $100 is for a cleaning, includes yearly periodontal exam and charting, yearly oral cancer screening, removal of plaque, tartar and stain above the gumline (standard defination of a cleaning per the ADA) brushing and flossing instructions, advise in use of other oral aids like Sonicare, waterpik, rubber tips, rinses etc. We spend one hour with the patient. We provide a tooth brush, floss, and another "gift" like mirror, mint, lip balm.
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Amount: $3,800.00 Scaling and planing
Posted by: Danelle in Scarsdale, NY.Purchased: February, 2009
I am getting my 4 quadrants done at a cost of $3800. This is not a "deep cleaning", this is with a local and incisions and stitches and cleaning all the way up the root to the bone each with their own quadrant follow up visits. Also, this includes an initial "deep cleaning" of area as a prep and evaluation. My sister in law had this done 10 years ago and it was $4000.00 AFTER her insurance paid their amount. Therefore, this is a good deal for me, an uninsured person. Everyone I have spoken to that said they refused to have it done has dentures. Those that I spoke to that have had it done still have their teeth. The cost is worth it, or so it appears to me.
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Amount: $1,911.00 minocycline arestin cost too much
Posted by: rc in marietta, GA.Purchased: February, 2009
Type: deep scale cleaning
was $35.00 a tooth (thirty five
) for medication-$239.00 for each quadrant(four)$15.00 irrigation (four)really a rip off ck around it is cheaper
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Amount: $0.00 teeth cleaning
Posted by: jeffmdenardo in san francisco, CA.Purchased: 2008
Type: standard cleaning
I went to a friends father who is a dentist and had my teeth cleaned. It took under five minutes. yes--five minutes. Is it possible to clean teeth properly in five minutes?
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Amount: $0.00 teeth cleaning
Posted by: Joyce Johnson in Hemet, CA.Purchased: 2008
Type: Deep cleaning
My problem with deep cleaning is that it triggers my Trigeminal Neuralgia. I know that dental work is not the cause but it does trigger the neuralgia (with Anesthesia). I have had two brain operations. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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Amount: $166.00 Teeth Cleaning
Posted by: Lin in Fairfield, CT.Purchased: February, 2009
My dentist charged me $166 for just a cleaning today. I thought this was rather high.
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Amount: $190.00 Teeth Cleaning, 4 Bitewing X-Rays, Exam
Posted by: CleenToothNJ in Tenafly, NJ.Purchased: February, 2009
I thought this was a fair price for a 3 services.
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Amount: $500.00 Deep Cleaning
Posted by: a user in Murfreesboro, TN.Purchased: March, 2009
Type: Deep Cleaning
I am in the early stages of gum disease, but went to see a new dentist & the price seemed high to me. I've had problems with my teeth, since being in a car accident. I get my teeth cleaned usually every 6 months, but due to the economy I've had to postpone the cleanings. It's been almost 1 yr since my last cleaning.
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Amount: $680.00 teeth cleaning
Posted by: tara in Aurora, CO.Purchased: March, 2009
Type: Deep Cleaning
am in the early stages of gum disease, but went to see a new dentist and they came up with a whole dental treatment plan and it included two vists and total cost of 680. After reading this i think that i will stick to this dentist. the other treatment sound expensive but i have no choice
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Amount: $3,000.00 Fear of Dentists, this is why!!
Posted by: Jennifer Harris in Puyallup, WA.Purchased: April, 2009
Type: Root Cana./Fillings x 2/Deep Cleaning
I am very Phobic of Dentists/Closterphobic with all the equipment/ect. in my mouth so I only will go if I absolutly MUST because of pain, so needless to say, I came today to a new dentist. I was hoping to be "fixed" when i left but mostly it was simply a consultation that told me i needed a root canal and two other fillings plus he felt i needed a deep cleaning especially since i would be having the root canal he wanted it really good and clean. So my total bill before insurance he said would be $3000, my insurence will only pay $1500 so the rest is out of pocket. I don't know about you, but i don't have that kind of money just sitting around to give away to a dentist!! UGH!! This is why i postpone along with the fears because that is alot of money to part with!!!
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Amount: $660.00 jegmy
Posted by: jegmy o. in silver spring, MD.Purchased: April, 2009
Type: deep cleaning
is very cost Ihad to pay because no have medi care
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Amount: $155.00 Lower teeth cleaned (only)
Posted by: Turnbuckle in Aurora, CO.Purchased: April, 2009
Type: Annual teeth cleaning
I recently purchased an UPPER (same day) denture for $2700. This included extracting five upper teeth). Yesterday I had my lower teeth cleaned by the dental hygienists and she x-rayed my lower teeth (left and right side x-rays only). My dentist then examined my lower teeth and looked at the two x-rays (for about two or three minutes). On leaving, I was handed a bill for $155.00 which included a ten (10) percent discount for cash. QUESTION... Is $172.00 a reasonable price for cleaning, two X-rays and a short dental examination of my lower teeth only?
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Amount: $206.00 Dental Deep Cleaning
Posted by: Wedrose in Palm Springs, CA.Purchased: April, 2009
Type: Deep Cleaning
I just got back from my visit to the hygenist, and I must say that I am very pleased overall. I have spent various hours researching dental deep cleaning, the procedure, the costs, and least favorable, the horror stories. I was scared out of my wits! Finally, I faced the music and talked to my hygenist before the procedure. Before paying a cent, I wanted all my questions answered, and they were. In the end, I am a little numb, and didn\'t feel any pain. Lastly, the cost was with insurance. I wouldn\'t have doubts about going to her again.
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Amount: $115.00 deep cleaning
Posted by: tom conten in Cathedral City, CA.Purchased: May, 2009
my insurance covers me for x-rays and cleaning. whatever they did yesterday cost $115 more. did not like the dental office. high pressure sales tactics. I felt like I was buying a car. They are hurting for money and will sell, sell, sell whether you need it or not. Health and dental care costs in this country are out of control.
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Amount: $0.00 Deep cleaning
Posted by: dirk althouse in Indianapolis, IN.Purchased: December, 2007
I went to a Dr. Tillery in indianapolis and was told I needed a deep cleaning and it would cost me $1,200.00 after that I went to the IU dental clinic for a second opinion and was told by two different Dr.s I din't need the procedure. Buyer beware. No everyone is ethical. Contact me if you
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Amount: $1,237.00 Deep Cleaning/ Scaling
Posted by: Alecia R. in Morgantown, WV.Purchased: May, 2009
Will have the deep cleaning done to all 4 quadrants, and the dentist gives me a sonicare toothbrush, vitamins, and some other goodies to get me back on the road to good oral health. My oral health got out of control due to a major phobia of dentist. I found a wonderful clinic here in morgantown, and the entire staff is awesome! Would highly recommend the WilsonMartino Dental clinic for anyone that is a "dental coward!" After insurance..I only have to pay $437...may seem like alot...but i'm looking forward to feeling better!
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Amount: $258.00 regular cleaning
Posted by: customer in Redmond, WA.Purchased: March, 2009
I went to Redmond Family and Cosmetic Dentistry after my old insurance lapsed, and they charged me 258.00 for a standard cleaning. I was very disappointed in their ethics. I was there less than a half-hour, and I\'m sure that the reason I paid so much was because they could get away with it, now that insurance is out of the picture. Prior to my visit, I asked if I should get insurance again, and they told me \"it ends up costing the same\". What a lie.
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Amount: $2,000.00 deep cleaning/ 8 teethes filling
Posted by: a user in Sunrise, FL.Purchased: June, 2009
This monday i am going to do a deep teeth cleaning and 8 teethes filling the dentist charge me $2000 for it (without insurance, cause i don't have insurance), does anyone know that if that is fair price. Oh also my dentist told me that i have gum disease problem, that is why i need a deep cleaning , but still 2000 dollars ??
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Amount: $600.00 Root Canal/9 White Fillings
Posted by: LUIS ESTRADA in El Monte, CA.Purchased: July, 2009
Type: Cash Price
$60. per white filling. $300. root canal not including crown. Deep cleaning needed along with three crowns still work in progress. Good dentist Elder Heras DDS in El Monte, CA fast, professional and knowledgeable. Good prices are out there you just have to seek them out and California is no exception to price gauging because of this economy other places wanted $90 to $120. per white filling. Dr. Heras give you free consultation and free x-rays. I highly encourage you to seek out good prices and compare before you do the one stop shop and get bitten by greedy dentists. Good luck.
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Amount: $130.00 Debridement
Posted by: 56rrt in Wadsworth, OH.Purchased: August, 2009
Type: Full Debridement
Insurance will not cover costs
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Amount: $114.00 Cleaning
Posted by: Darius in Pennington, NJ.Purchased: July, 2009
Type: 6 month check up
Standard cleaning with x-rays. Dentist was gentle used all hand instruments due to bonding on teeth. Was given a floride treatment rinse and wash. 10-15 min total.
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Amount: $392.00 Deep Cleaning
Posted by: dan007 in Arlington, VA.Purchased: August, 2009
Procedure took about an hour for the two right quadrants. The amount is the reduced cost after deductions for dental plan coverage. Seemed expensive for the time, effort, expertise required...
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Amount: $3,000.00 periondondial diease
Posted by: patwhich in grand junction, CO.Purchased: July, 2009
Type: root wasing
I have excellant dental care. I also have a health savings plan(thank Goodness)how ever this deep root washing is causing alot of expense. I am in pain and alot of regret for what I didnt do as a younger person. I hope this will work because I have spent about 3000.00 dollar on it. Does anyone have anything good to say about this procedure?
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Amount: $130.00 Routine Cleaning
Posted by: EJC in Central Mass in Worcester, MA.Purchased: September, 2009
Type: 6 month check up
Recently had a routine cleaning. The procedure lasted about 45 minutes and included cleaning, cancer screening, x-rays and quick exam by the dentist. I believe the cleaning cost $95 and the x-rays were $35. Not too bad in my opinion.
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Amount: $184.00 Deep cleaning
Posted by: DD in San Antonio, TX.Purchased: October, 2009
This is the amount paid after insurance. I only had the top quadrants done and it took about 30 minutes which isn't bad considering it's been over 5 years since my last cleaning. I asked for topical anesthetic and it really made the procedure bearable.
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Amount: $55.00 Postponed cleaning for 5 years
Posted by: Janie in Mission, TX.Purchased: November, 2009
Type: Serious cleaning and extraction
I hadn't been to the dentist in 5+ yrs because of a bad experince with my orthodontist.. The hygenist was great.. Didn't feel a bit of the extraction. Sent me home with a lesson on bushing and flossing and an extraction kit.. :-) hope my insurance approves the scaling.. Cause all that w/ xrays and bitewings was 55.... 25 copay + 30(20%of extraction)=55
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Amount: $640.00 Deep cleaning/scaling w/ irrigation
Posted by: Health care cost is killing me in Bakersfield, CA.Purchased: December, 2009
Type: 4 quadrants
$160.00 per quadrant! I thought this was outrageously expensive. I had deep cleaning 2 years ago before I moved to Bakersfield from Valencia. Now they want me to go back every 4 months. I don't have dental insurance. I paid $159 (family) for their discount dental plan just to lower the price a bit.
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Amount: $80.00 Standard Cleaning
Posted by: Free Healthcare / Dental in Cerritos, CA.Purchased: December, 2009
Type: Standard / Per.EXAM
I called my dental office and told them I was paying " CASH " and they charged me $80.00 I guess that is their standard charge for cleaning / examination... I guess every dental office charges different prices . My suggesstion is to shop around call for the best prices and make sure they do "QUALITY" work for the prices they charge..
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Amount: $280.00 Regular cleaning, exam, xray
Posted by: Regular in Princeton, NJ.Purchased: October, 2009
Type: regular cleaning, exam, x-rays
Adult prophylaxis, periodic oral exam, and bitewings x-rays (4 films) would have costed $130, $75, and $65. General dentist accepts my dental insurance plan, they got ~93% of amount and dental insurance co magically got 7% discount. Since this was every 6 months and preventive procedure, it's free for me (unless I use up my maximum yearly $benefits.)
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Amount: $800.00 Deep Cleaning 2 Teeth
Posted by: Stevepalm in Cranston, RI.Purchased: November, 2009
I recently had 2 teeth deep cleaned. The procedure was very easy for me and the dentist and took 45 minutes. I was told upfront it would cost $800.00 but it didn't mean much since I had never had the procedure done before. I now feel like I was abused. Be sure to get 2 or 3 opinions. I still owe $200.00 and I'm thinking of not paying any more. Everything I read, suggests
I was abusively overcharged.
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Amount: $1,778.00 Periodental cleaning 4 quadrants
Posted by: Mike Desabrais in westspringfield, MA.Purchased: December, 2009
Type: RIPOFF
Aspen Dental quoted me $2032.00 and were "discounting the service to $1778.00. The cleanings would happen in two visits lasting about an hour with one follow up visit to make sure they didn't screw up, but charge you anyway? ($319)

After I left it felt like the experience I had recently in the auto dealer finance department. I didn't buy there either. High pressure selling was the game...kept me there 2.5 hours!

Beware of "dental plans" that allow you to have X-rays and an exam for $10(the exam lasted about 2 minutes). You will pay for them with the services they try to sell you.
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Amount: $420.00 Deep cleaning
Posted by: Mike Thorson in Avon, IN.Purchased: January, 2009
Type: All four quadrants
I had great dental care as child but since turning 21 I have been to the dentist 4 times. Now at 36 I went to the dentist and all my gums were measured for pocket depth. In all four corners of my mouth there were 5mm pockets with one corner being 6mm. They quoted me $400 to do the cleaning that I though I was paying $49 for. It was $100 for the bad corner and $50 for the other three plus $100 for 2 shots of arestin in the bad corner.
The dentist numbed all four corners and it took the girl a full hour to do the deep cleaning. She deep cleaned my front teeth at no extra charge. She asked how long it had been since I quite smoking, I said 3 years. She was amazed that the tarter/plaque belowe my gums was Tobacco stained. She then spent another 1/2 hour flossing and doing a normal cleaning with a pick. Then she polished and did a floride treatment.
I am very very happy with what was done except for the arestine. I understand why arestine is used. (they cant physically clean deeper than 5mm and the arestine gets into the 6mm pockets and kills the bacteria. I just dont think that is worth $47 a shot. Anything deeper than 6mm they cut open your gums to gain access for cleaning. That is when you get above $1000.
Bottom line If I didnt goto Dental plan.com and pay $79 for a dental plan they would of charged me $800 for this procedure. So make sure you look into the dental plans. Its not insurance but a plan that give you set prices.
Next week Im having a crown put on for $600 normal cost 950.
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