Oral health experts recommend routine visits to a dentist every six months. But many people skip those appointments because they believe they don’t need professional teeth cleaning, they’re too busy, or something prevents them from visiting the dentist regularly. In reality, good oral hygiene doesn’t just require you to brush and floss daily; it also requires professionally cleaned teeth.
Professional teeth cleaning by your dentist every six months are essential to maintaining healthy gums and preventing tooth decay. Although some people think they can achieve similar benefits by doing home teeth cleaning themselves, there is no substitute for a professional cleaning. So you must be wondering, how much does dental cleaning cost without dental insurance cost? Here we’ll explore how much teeth cleaning costs with insurance, the average cost of teeth cleaning without insurance, and why regular cleanings are essential.
A routine teeth cleaning is a preventive procedure, so it’s generally covered by insurance. Most dental insurances usually provide two cleanings per year in addition to exams and x-rays. If you’re unsure, check your insurance coverage to find out what coverage you have for preventive care.
The average cost without insurance for a regular teeth cleaning is between $100 and $300. This doesn’t include any additional procedures or treatments that may be recommended by your dentist, such as dental X-rays or exams. If you are a new patient, many dental offices require an examination and x-rays to determine the condition of your teeth and gums. This can increase costs by $50-$400 or more. If you’re located near the Allen, Fairview, & McKinney areas, Sloan Creek Dental offers a new patient special where the cost for a cleaning, exam, and X-ray is $179.
Deep cleaning removes tartar buildup and goes beyond the gum line to remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth’s root surfaces. This type of cleaning prevents gum disease and tooth loss over time. This type of cleaning is typically done in quadrants or sections of your mouth at a time.
The dental cleaning cost varies depending on where you live and the type of dentist you choose. Here are a couple of factors that play into the cost of dental cleaning.
Dental history – If you haven’t been to the dentist recently, chances are you might need more than a standard routine cleaning. If you wait too long between visits, your next appointment will probably be more expensive and take longer. By taking good care of your teeth, you can keep oral problems from developing in the future.
Dental Insurance – If you have dental insurance, most of the cost of a dental cleaning is typically covered at 100%. However, deep cleanings tend to require a deductible/co-pay. If you don’t have insurance, you pay the total fee regardless of which type of cleaning it is.
Type of cleaning – When you visit the dentist, your teeth cleaning costs will depend on the type of cleaning you receive. There are three types of dental cleanings: teeth cleaning, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance (deep cleaning).
Teeth cleanings are performed by either the hygienist or the dentist. It starts with an exam where Dr. Feng examines your gums and teeth, checking for any apparent abnormalities. If required, X-rays will be taken during your regularly scheduled appointment, followed by a professional teeth cleaning. A typical cleaning typically comprises of 4 steps:
Dental Exam – Dr. Feng examines your gums and teeth, checking for any apparent abnormalities, such as cavities, decayed tooth and more. X-rays will be taken during your regularly scheduled appointment if required. Following a dental exam, the dentist will provide recommendations for any dental treatments if necessary.
Scaling – After the exam, a dental hygienist or Dr. Feng uses a specialized tool to remove any calculus (tartar or mineralized plaque) and plaque buildup above and below the gum line of the tooth surface. If left untreated, the dental plaque can lead to bacterial infection, can cause serious periodontal problems, and bone loss.
Polishing – After the plaque and tartar have been carefully scraped from your teeth, the dentist or hygienist uses a specialized brush and special toothpaste to give you a thorough brushing. Your dental cleaning is supplemented with flossing and a fluoride treatment to help keep your teeth clean. We consider these necessary supplements for routine teeth cleanings.
Fluoride – Your teeth cleaning is supplemented with flossing and a fluoride treatment to help keep your teeth clean. We consider these necessary supplements for routine teeth cleanings. This natural mineral element strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to acids that can lead to tooth decay.
Regular dental visits are just as critical as visiting your primary care physician. A dentist can perform basic examinations to ensure you are healthy and detect potential problems early. These include checking your teeth for decay, cavities, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and other conditions that require treatment. If you notice any changes in your mouth, it’s best to contact your dentist immediately.
There are a few options if you’re looking for an affordable dental cleaning without insurance. You can try to find a dental school in your area that offers discounted services or a sliding scale fee. If you’re looking to save money on the cost of your cleaning, finding a dental school is the more affordable option compared to a local dental office.
You can also try calling around and asking if any dentists in your area offer cleanings at a reduced rate or if they offer payment plans. Some offices may even provide cleaning packages that include X-rays and other procedures at a reduced cost. If you choose to go with this option, make sure that you do research beforehand so that you know what to expect from the dentist before visiting them. Another option is to ask if they offer a dental plan such as a dental membership plan, discount plan, dental savings plan, or an in-house membership plan.
The best thing about a dental membership plan is that it allows you to know exactly what services and discounts are available. There are no deductibles, maximums, or exclusions. You can sign up anytime; most importantly, you won’t have to deal with surprise fees.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends seeing the dentist every six months for a checkup if you have healthy teeth and gums. However, a few factors may influence how often you should go to the dentist.
If you have any ongoing dental concerns, seeing your dentist regularly will allow them to monitor your condition and ensure it doesn’t worsen. Frequent cleanings will help keep perio or other dental issues under control. If you’re unsure how often you should visit your dentist, talk to your dentist to see if your oral health would benefit from frequent visits.
If you want to keep your teeth healthy and strong, it’s important to take care of them daily with a good oral hygiene routine. Here are some tips for keeping your teeth healthy:
-Regular brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day with the proper brushing technique.
-Floss daily – Flossing helps remove plaque from between the teeth where toothbrushes cannot reach.
-Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and dental checkups. With regular visits, your dentist can help identify any problems early before they become more serious.
Regular visits to the dentist not only give you a beautiful smile but also help prevent tooth decay, dental disease, and gum disease. Each visit gives your dental team a chance to examine your oral health, and by being proactive with your oral care, you can help keep your dental costs low.
There are a few different types of cleanings.
Children’s cleanings -Children should start visiting the dentist when their first tooth comes in or when they are one year old. By the time they are three or four, they’ll get regular checkups. During these visits, the dentist and parent will discuss hygiene habits and any dental concerns you may have.
Regular adult teeth cleaning – If you have healthy gums and have no bone loss, a regular cleaning will keep your mouth healthy. During the cleaning, your dentist will remove any tartar and plaque and finish by polishing your teeth.
Deep Cleaning – If you have periodontal disease, a deep cleaning may be necessary tp remove any plaque and tartar buildup.
As your local dentist near the Allen and Fairview areas, we are here to help you with any questions or concerns that you might have about achieving a healthy smile. If you want to learn more about your current dental health, preventative dental services, or have questions about a particular dental procedure, feel free to contact us for a consultation appointment, and we’ll be happy to help with your dental care. To schedule your dental cleaning appointment, contact Sloan Creek Dental, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. You can reach us at our Fairview, TX dental office to schedule an in-person consultation with us today – 972-468-1440.
Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas.
