Dental Cleaning Cost and Procedure Guide

What Is a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a preventive procedure in which a dentist or dental hygienist removes tartar, plaque and surface stains from your teeth to help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Using specialized tools, they clean areas that can be difficult to reach through regular brushing and flossing, including between the teeth and along the gumline.¹

Routine cleanings also give your dentist an opportunity to identify potential oral health concerns and are typically recommended every six months.²

Types of dental cleanings

Depending on your individual needs — as well as the amount of plaque and tartar on your teeth — your dentist or hygienist will typically perform one of the following cleanings:³

How Much Do Dental Cleanings Cost?

The national average cost** for a dental cleaning session is $210, but it can range from $150 to $355. The price can vary widely depending on the type of cleaning your dentist recommends, where you live and your dentist.³

Average cost of dental cleanings by type

Below is the average cost** of dental cleanings by type:³

Calculate the cost of a dental cleaning near you**

Average cost of dental cleanings by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost** of a routine dental cleaning in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.³

How Can You Pay for a Dental Cleaning?

There are several ways to pay for a dental cleaning, depending on what your dentist offers and your budget. Some pay up front with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.

If you'd prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket dental services. If approved, you can make monthly payments (with promotional financing options where available). Promotional financing options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether they accept CareCredit before deciding.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Cleanings?

Dental cleanings are considered preventive dental care, so up to two cleanings per year are usually fully covered by insurance, depending on your policy or plan. Exams and X-rays may be covered as well.⁴

Check with your plan provider to determine your specific benefits, including any deductible or copay requirements.

How Does a Dental Cleaning Work?

If you're preparing for a routine dental cleaning, knowing what happens before, during and after the procedure can help you feel more comfortable. Although the exact process may vary based on your oral health needs, here's what you can generally expect at your appointment.

Preparation

Your dentist or hygienist begins with an initial examination of your teeth and gums using a small mirror to determine whether there are any areas of concern.⁵ They may also review your dental and medical history to make note of medications or health conditions that could affect your oral health.⁶

Procedure

During a preventive cleaning, which usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, the dental professional will remove plaque and tartar buildup between your teeth and along the gumline using a specialized scaling tool.⁵

Your teeth are then polished using a high-powered brush with mild abrasive toothpaste to smooth the enamel and remove light surface stains. In the final step, your dentist or hygienist will floss your teeth to remove any remaining plaque and check for bleeding gums, which can be a sign of gum disease.⁵ Some appointments may also include a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your tooth enamel and guard against future decay.¹

X-rays might also be taken as part of your exam to screen for issues such as cavities or decay between teeth or below the gumline. Your dentist may perform a final checkup, including an oral cancer screening of your tongue, jaw and neck, and address any oral health concerns.⁶ This is a good time to ask questions or discuss specific concerns you may have about your ongoing dental care.

Recovery

Recovery from a routine cleaning is typically minimal. While some mild gum sensitivity or tenderness is common, it typically resolves within a few hours to a few days.⁷

Follow your dentist's instructions for care after cleaning, which may include:²

• Use caution with food and drinks, as your teeth and gums may be extra sensitive to hot and cold items. It's also best to avoid sugary, sticky, acidic or crunchy foods for the first four to six hours after a cleaning.
• Rinse with warm salt water to help alleviate soreness and inflammation if your gums feel tender or if they bled during flossing. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water, swish it around your mouth and then spit it out.
• Use an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to help relieve mild discomfort.

Potential Side Effects or Complications

Mild side effects after a dental cleaning are common and usually temporary. You may notice tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, gum tenderness, swelling or minor bleeding, particularly if you had significant plaque buildup or it's been a while since your last cleaning. Some patients also report jaw soreness due to holding their mouth open for an extended period.⁷

If discomfort, pain, swelling or bleeding persists beyond a few days, contact your dentist.⁷

A Healthy Smile Starts With Regular Dental Cleanings

Routine dental cleanings are important for maintaining good long-term oral health. Whether you need a standard prophylaxis cleaning or a procedure like scaling and root planing, understanding what to expect can help ease anxiety about the process. Regular visits to your dentist are key to preventing and identifying dental issues early before they become expensive problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings

Still have questions about dental cleanings? Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.

Dental Financing With the CareCredit Credit Card

Regular dental checkups are important to help prevent, identify and treat dental problems before they become more advanced. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for dental exams, cosmetic dental procedures and other costs that insurance doesn't cover — to help you keep your pearly whites bright and healthy.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist near you that accepts CareCredit. Make the most of your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, personal finance and real estate/investing.