Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
Dental cleanings are one of the most basic (and necessary) parts of oral health — yet most people don’t actually know how much they cost until they’re staring down a bill or dodging their dentist’s third reminder email.
Let’s break down the real cost of dental cleanings, with and without insurance, and when you’re being upsold something you might not need.
💡 Quick Answer:
Type of Cleaning |
With Insurance |
Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Standard Cleaning (Prophylaxis) |
$0 – $50 (copay) |
$75 – $200 |
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) |
$75 – $200/quad |
$500 – $1,200 total |
Child Cleaning |
Often $0 |
$50 – $100 |
Exam + X-rays (add-on) |
$0 – $100 |
$100 – $300 |
🦷 Most insurance plans cover 2 standard cleanings per year — but if you’re uninsured, welcome to cash-pay pricing.
🧼 What’s Included in a Standard Cleaning?
Procedure |
Included in Basic Cleaning? |
|---|---|
Tartar removal (scaling) |
✅ Yes |
Teeth polishing |
✅ Yes |
Plaque scraping |
✅ Yes |
Oral hygiene check |
✅ Yes |
Fluoride treatment |
⚠️ Optional add-on ($20–$40) |
X-rays |
❌ Usually extra |
🦠 What About Deep Cleanings?
If your dentist suddenly says, “You need a deep cleaning,” here’s what they really mean:
Deep Cleaning Type |
Cost (No Insurance) |
Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Scaling & Root Planing (SRP) |
$150 – $300 per quadrant |
Treats gum disease |
Full Mouth SRP |
$500 – $1,200 |
Removes plaque under the gumline |
Antibiotic Injections (e.g. Arestin) |
$35 – $150 per tooth |
Add-on upsell that adds up fast |
⚠️ Deep cleanings are medically necessary for gum disease — but they’re also one of the most common sources of over-treatment.
🏷️ Real-World Cost Examples
City |
Standard Cleaning (No Insurance) |
Deep Cleaning (Full Mouth) |
|---|---|---|
Los Angeles, CA |
$120 – $180 |
$800 – $1,200 |
Dallas, TX |
$90 – $140 |
$600 – $900 |
Chicago, IL |
$100 – $160 |
$700 – $1,000 |
New York, NY |
$130 – $200 |
$900 – $1,300 |
Phoenix, AZ |
$75 – $130 |
$500 – $900 |
💳 Dental Insurance & Cleanings
Plan Type |
What’s Covered? |
|---|---|
PPO Plans |
100% of 2 cleanings per year + exam + x-rays |
DHMO Plans |
Covered with copay ($0 – $50 typical) |
No Insurance? |
You’re paying cash — but many clinics offer cleaning specials |
💡 Don’t have insurance? Look for dental discount plans, FQHCs, or dental hygiene schools for budget-friendly cleanings.
🧠 Tips to Save on Dental Cleanings
- ✅ Ask for a “cash pay” rate — some clinics offer 10–40% off
- ✅ Avoid unnecessary x-rays or fluoride add-ons if not medically needed
- ✅ Check out dental schools for cleanings under $50
- ✅ If quoted for deep cleaning, get a second opinion unless you have gum disease
- ✅ Use FSA/HSA funds — totally eligible
💭 Final Thoughts: Clean Now or Pay Later
Skipping your cleaning to save $100 now? That’s how you end up paying $1,000 for a crown — or worse, a root canal.
💡 Cleanings aren’t a luxury — they’re maintenance. Like an oil change for your mouth.
🔚 Bottom Line
- No insurance? Expect $75–$200 per visit for a standard cleaning
- With insurance? Probably free or $0–$50
- Deep cleanings? $500 – $1,200 depending on severity
- Cleanings keep big problems (and big bills) from showing up later
🧾 User-Reported Cost: Honestly, dental cleaning costs can vary a lot based on location and insurance coverage. It’s wild how some places charge way more, especially in big cities. And I’ve noticed many dental offices push extra services that aren’t really necessary, which can inflate the final bill way more than you’d expect. It’s definitely something to be cautious about!