Deep Cleaning Cost: With and Without Dental Insurance
The cost of deep cleaning often deters patients from scheduling an appointment. But, avoiding dental visits puts your health in jeopardy. Fortunately, there are ways to plan ahead for the expense and even save big on your bill.
Here's what cost you should expect for your deep cleaning costs with and without dental insurance and tips to make your dental visits cheaper.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Deep Cleaning
Dental cleanings and deep cleanings don’t have a universal price. The cost of a deep cleaning depends on:
- Location
- Whether you need anesthetics
- Whether you have insurance
- Your dental history
While it’s hard to save money on any of these, shopping around by location could offer some financial relief.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Teeth Cleaned
Of course, every dental practice charges for its services individually. Yet, getting an idea of your expenses helps budget for your deep cleaning cost. Find out how much deep cleanings generally cost with and without insurance.
Deep Cleaning Cost Without Insurance
You should expect to pay $150 to $350 for deep cleaning without using dental insurance. That price goes up if you need anesthesia during the procedure.
Still, it's worth asking the dental practice if they offer a new customer discount or can work with you on the cost.
Deep Cleaning Cost With Insurance
Your deep cleaning cost with insurance may cover 100% of the procedure. Otherwise, you should expect to pay $75 to $200.
Keep in mind that you may have already met the maximum your insurance is willing to pay. Sometimes this figure is as low as $1,000 a year. In other words, your dental insurance may not help much with your deep cleaning cost.
Deep Cleaning Cost With a Dental Discount Plan
Another option to reduce your deep cleaning cost is with the help of a dental discount plan.
While maintaining your membership comes with a monthly cost, the money you save on discounted procedures can more than make up for it.
For example, you can get 15-50%* off your deep cleaning cost per visit in most instances at participating providers. This could mean that your deep cleaning costs only $75-150.
This is a good alternative to insurance because there’s no limit on dental procedures you can get at a discount with a program. Plus, deep cleanings aren’t the only procedure you can save money on.
You can also get a discount on these common treatments:
- Dental cleanings
- Oral exams
- X-Rays
- Filings
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Tooth extractions
- Dentures
Deep Cleaning FAQs
Deep Cleaning vs. Dental Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
Dental cleanings are regular preventative maintenance appointments. Generally, a dental hygienist removes the built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth and restores your oral hygiene. Dental cleanings are also a great opportunity for a professional to monitor your dental health and notice any problems, such as gingivitis or cavities.
That’s why it’s recommended that you go to regular dental cleanings once every six months.
Deep cleanings on the other hand are reactive procedures. Also known as scaling and root planing, they’re necessary when you have moderate to severe periodontitis (gum disease). A dentist will use special tools and procedures to clean the plaque, tartar and bacteria from below your gum line. In severe cases, they may remove parts of your decayed gums.
This stops gum disease from progressing and may prevent tooth loss.
So, while dental cleanings are for preventive maintenance, deep cleanings stop the progression of gum disease.
Why Are Deep Cleanings Important?
If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning, it’s because the state of your gums puts your oral health in danger.
Gum disease is a result of poor oral hygiene due to plaque and tartar buildup. Periodontitis, while treatable, can lead to higher gum flexibility, which results in tooth loss. So, getting a deep cleaning can save your teeth.
However, tooth loss isn’t the worst consequence of untreated gum disease. You can develop heart disease and stroke as a result of avoiding deep cleanings, which are life-threatening conditions.
What Should I Expect From a Dental Deep Cleaning?
Deep dental cleanings address the plaque above and below your gum line. Depending on your dentist, they may use an ultrasonic tool to help the process. Sprayed water helps wash away any excess tartar.
Most patients do not report pain during their deep cleanings. You may receive local anesthetics to relieve discomfort. If you have any concerns about the procedure, speak to your dentist.
5 Ways to Make Dental Deep Cleaning Cheaper
Despite the high cost of deep cleanings, there are ways to lower your expenses:
- Dental schools: Students training to become dentists often offer discounted treatments.
- Charity dental clinic: Some dental clinics offer low-cost treatments to those eligible. Search for a local charity dental clinic in your area to find out if you qualify.
- New customer specials: Some dentists offer special discounts for new patients. It’s always worth asking.
- Pay upfront: Dental payment plans can be a relief, but they may come with interest. If you can, paying upfront may reduce your overall bill.
- Dental discount plan: As a member of a dental discount program, you may be eligible for lower-cost procedures at participating dentists.
Make sure these services offer a deep dental cleaning or a specific procedure. Some lower-cost options only offer basic services.
Save Money on Your Deep Cleaning Cost
Everyone deserves a healthy, clean mouth and smile they're proud of without struggling with the cost. Carefree Dental offers its members 15-50%* off their dental bill at participating providers per visit in most instances.
For only $15.95/month for individuals and $19.95/month for families, this can mean great discounts on your dental treatments, including deep cleanings.
Ready to get the best deal for deep cleanings and dental care? Sign up for Carefree Dental!
*Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service, and geographical area
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance, and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
