Dental Cleanings

🦷 Dental Cleanings: What’s Included, What It Costs, and When to Get One

Routine dental cleanings are essential to preventing cavities, gum disease, and long-term oral health problems. Yet, prices can vary significantly depending on where you go — and what services are included.

ClearCare HQ makes it easier to understand what a cleaning involves, how often you need one, and how much it may cost with or without insurance.

🪥 What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

A typical dental cleaning appointment includes:

• Oral exam: A hygienist or dentist checks for signs of decay or gum disease

• Plaque & tartar removal: Using scaling tools to clean above and below the gum line

• Polishing: To remove stains and smooth teeth surfaces

• Fluoride treatment (optional): To help prevent future cavities

• X-rays (periodically): To spot decay between teeth or under the gums

Cleanings usually last 30–60 minutes and are recommended every 6 months.

💵 How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?

ServiceAverage Uninsured Price: Standard Cleaning (Prophylaxis) $75–$200, Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) $150–$400 (per quadrant), X-rays $30–$150, Fluoride treatment $20–$50

📝 Pro tip: Some providers bundle cleaning + exam + X-rays into a flat-rate package for $99–$250.

🏥 Insurance vs. No Insurance

With insurance:

• Most plans cover 1–2 preventive cleanings per year at 100%

• Diagnostic X-rays and exams are also typically included

Without insurance:

• Ask about cash discounts or membership plans
  Many clinics offer in-house dental plans for $150–$300/year that include two cleanings and a discount on other services

🧾 When Is Deep Cleaning Needed?

If you have periodontal (gum) disease, your dentist may recommend a more intensive treatment:

• Removes plaque below the gumline

• Helps treat gum inflammation and bone loss

• Usually requires multiple visits

🧠 ClearCare HQ Tip:

💬 Ask:
“Will this be a routine cleaning or periodontal treatment?”
It helps clarify pricing and insurance coverage before you're in the chair.

🔍 Ready to Compare Costs?

Use our Explore Pricing tool to find local dentists, compare fees for cleanings, and understand what’s included in each visit.