Dental cleanings are a part of life. Many people grow up going to the dentist and having their teeth cleaned once or twice a year. It can be tempting to stop going to the dentist as we get older.
Many people go in for dental cleanings less often as they age. This infrequency can happen for many reasons. Maybe you feel you don’t have enough time for it, you assume you can handle cleaning your teeth on your own, or you may even have dentophobia. Some people also stop going to the dentist for dental cleanings because they believe it is too expensive to take on without insurance.
Oral health is a big part of a person’s overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay. Dental care is an essential part of taking care of yourself.
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What is dental cleaning?
Dental cleanings prevent cavities, disease, and other oral health issues. Regular cleanings are a vital part of keeping up with oral health. This preventative procedure is much better than what you can do by yourself at home with some toothpaste and a toothbrush.
A hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar. You still need to have your teeth cleaned by a hygienist regularly, even if you brush and floss twice a day. According to Advanced Dental, there are three types of dental cleanings.
Three main types of dental cleanings are:
- Prophylaxis cleaning: This type of cleaning is also known as routine cleaning. These appointments need to be made once or twice a year. This type of cleaning is for patients with healthy teeth, and it is considered a part of maintenance. Plaque is removed from the teeth during a prophylaxis cleaning. This includes the removal of deep plaque or calculus. Stains are also removed from the teeth during this type of dental cleaning.
- Scaling and root planing: This is a type of deep cleaning that is used on patients at risk of gum disease. This type of cleaning may also be used on those who have already developed gum disease. A patient may have developed the gum diseases gingivitis or periodontitis. Both are harmful and should be taken care of quickly. Signs of gum disease include swollen gums, bleeding gums, and loose teeth.
- Gross debridement: This type of cleaning is often used when patients have not received a dental cleaning in quite some time. Gross debridement helps dentists figure out if a patient has unknown issues affecting the teeth.
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What affects the cost of dental cleaning?
The cost of teeth cleanings can vary based on a variety of factors, including:
- Where you live
- The office you decided to go to
- If you are a new or old patient
- Your age
- The level of cleaning you need
- Dental history
- X-rays
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How much does a dental cleaning cost without insurance?
According to CostHelper, the cost of a dental cleaning tends to be somewhere between $75-$4,000. That high of $4,000 comes into play in cases where the teeth are in bad enough shape that they need a deep cleaning. The estimations from CostHelper are:
- $75 to $200 for a cleaning
- $100 to $300+ for cleaning with an exam and x-rays
- $500 to $4,000 for a deep cleaning
CostHelper found that those without dental insurance report paying between $390 and $3,800 for deep cleaning. This cost comes out to an average of $1,257.
Insurance typically covers the entire cost of teeth cleanings, regardless of if you schedule them once or twice a year. Getting dental insurance might be worth considering down the line.
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Are there ways to make dental cleanings cheaper?
Receiving regular dental cleanings once or twice a year can prevent you from having to spend large amounts of money in the future reversing damage and fighting disease. That is the main reason why dental cleanings are so important.
Beyond preventative maintenance, there are other ways to receive dental cleanings at a low cost.
- Get your teeth cleaned at a dental school: Students in dental school need to practice dental cleanings. That is why going to a dental school for your care is one of the best ways to receive a low-cost but high-quality dental cleaning. These students work on your teeth under supervision. There should be no fear of whether or not you are in good hands.
- Join a dental network: There are affordable dental networks out there that you can access by paying for a membership. This network will provide you with discounts. A dental network is different from insurance, but you still save money.
- Compare rates in your area: Another great way to receive cheap dental cleanings is by comparing the cost of cleanings at different offices near you. Make some calls and see which dentist provides the best deal. You may also be able to negotiate the pricing. Some will not entertain this, but others will be willing to help you get the care you need.
Regular dental cleanings can add up over time. If you skip dental cleanings, you risk spending even more money as things go unnoticed in your mouth. Find ways to save by taking advantage of these tips. Regardless of cost, it is important to seek this care. Dental cleanings without insurance do not have to break the bank.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental cleanings necessary?
Having your teeth cleaned regularly is a vital part of oral health and overall health in general. Even if you are skilled at taking care of your teeth, you should still be receiving regular preventative dental cleanings.
Receiving regular dental cleanings can make a big difference in your oral health. Regular cleanings remove plaque, tartar buildup, and bacteria from the teeth and gums. When you do not have your teeth cleaned properly, you might develop a disease or lose some teeth.
How often do you need to have your teeth cleaned?
The American Dental Association suggests having your teeth cleaned once a year. However, some dentists recommend going every six months. If you have had many cavities, oral infections, or oral diseases in the past, you might want to have your teeth cleaned on a more regular basis.
How long does a cleaning take?
Most teeth cleanings take around 30 minutes. If your teeth are not in the best condition, this may take a bit longer. It depends on cavities and how much tartar buildup you have. If you want your cleanings to be quick, make sure you take good care of your teeth.
Are dental cleanings painful?
Dental cleanings should not be painful. If you have not been taking good care of your teeth, you may feel mild pain. This minor pain can be from inflammation in the gums or even oral disease. If your teeth are not in the best shape, it is possible that you still will not feel any pain.
What are the benefits of receiving regular dental cleanings?
Benefits of dental cleanings include cavity and disease prevention, maintaining oral health, limiting tartar buildup, and removing stains. Dental cleanings will leave your teeth feeling fresh and clean.