How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost Without Insurance?

Why Do I Need to Get a Cleaning?

Dentists recommend dental cleanings every six months for a number of reasons:

• Prevent gum disease
• Help keep your teeth
• Have a whiter smile
• Prevent bad breath
• Improve overall health

Below is some information about why your dentist might recommend a dental cleaning for you.

Types of Cleanings

There are a few different types of cleanings you can get at a dentist near you. It depends on your age and the health of your mouth. Here are the four types of cleanings:

• Child Cleanings: Children should first see the dentist when they are one year old, or after their first tooth comes in. By the time they’re three or four years old, they will begin having cleanings. These cleanings are catered to the children to make them feel more comfortable. When children go in for cleanings, dentists will usually give their assessment of the child’s oral health and what needs to be done to improve it; they’ll also talk about orthodontic concerns if there are any.
• Regular Adult Teeth Cleanings: For adults who have healthy gums, or even early gingivitis without bone loss, a regular adult cleaning is all that’s necessary. Your dentist will remove any plaque, tartar and bacteria and will polish your teeth.
• Deep Cleaning—Scaling and Root Planing: If you have gum disease, however, a deep cleaning may be necessary. This cleaning involves scaling and root planing, which are methods used to clean between the gums and teeth down into the roots. Sometimes a local anesthetic may be needed to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth.
• Periodontal Maintenance: This is another cleaning that dentists use to stop the progression of periodontal (gum) disease. During this cleaning, your dentists will remove tartar and plaque build-up above and below the gum line, get rid of any stains on your teeth and help improve your breath.

How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost with a Dental Savings Plan?

While prices for teeth cleanings aren’t too unreasonable, if you can save money, you’d probably like to, especially if you have to pay for cleanings for you and the whole family. There are insurance alternatives and different types of insurance that can help cut that cost for you. If you are without dental insurance, consider a dental savings plan, such as the Careington 500 Series Dental Plan or Dental Access Plan (powered by the Aetna Dental Access network). See the table above for our best available savings through the Care 500 plan.

Conclusion

With the significant amount of money you can save on dental cleanings, signing up for a dental savings plan, or another insurance or insurance alternative, can help make your regular dental checkups manageable.