Regular teeth cleanings are an important part of maintaining your oral health. It is a crucial step toward keeping your natural teeth healthy and in place. But in some cases you may need a deep cleaning of your teeth to address specific concerns such as periodontal (gum) disease.
How much does a routine teeth cleaning cost in Hartford County, Connecticut and how much more is a deep cleaning? Here’s what you can expect.
What Does a Routine Dental Cleaning Entail?
During a regular dental cleaning special tools are used to remove plaque and calculus from your teeth. Your teeth are then polished using a rotating dental tool and abrasive toothpaste to smooth the enamel. Your teeth may be professionally flossed as part of your dental cleaning as well. In addition to being cleaned, your teeth and mouth are carefully examined to assess your oral health and identify any abnormalities or concerns.
What is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, technically called scaling and root planing, refers to the process of cleaning the teeth below the gumline. When gum disease is present the gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, allowing plaque to gather under the gums on the roots of the teeth. The plaque hardens into calculus, which makes it more difficult to remove and more likely to cause bone loss and further gum disease. A deep cleaning involves the removal of plaque and calculus from roots of your teeth under the gums, called scaling. Then the roots of the teeth are smoothed out to allow the gum tissue to reattach more firmly to the teeth, called root planing.
Average Cost of Dental Cleanings
The average cost of a routine cleaning vs a deep cleaning:
- Routine cleaning: $160-$200. A routine dental cleaning is typically very affordable, even without insurance. This may be more if you are due for x-rays or have not been to the dentist in awhile.
- Deep cleaning: $200-400 per quadrant. A deep cleaning costs more, but is still very affordable when compared to other dental procedures. Usually a deep cleaning is done by quadrant, so the price will be charged for that vs. full mouth.
Are Dental Cleanings Covered By Insurance?
If you have dental insurance, routine cleanings are typically covered at 100%, twice a year. Deep cleanings may be covered up to a certain percentage, but there will likely be a remaining out of pocket balance. Coverage for cleanings depends on your insurance provider and plan. Some plans may include copays and deductibles.
How to Keep Your Dental Care Costs Lower
The best way to avoid high dental care costs is to take good care of your teeth and keep on schedule with routine dental cleanings. By brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and going to the dentist every 6 months for cleanings, you can maintain good oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings
Why do I need dental cleanings twice a year?
Patients often wonder why they need dental cleanings twice a year but routine doctor visits once a year. The reason is that plaque builds up on the teeth over the course of 6 months and having your teeth cleaned can prevent plaque from causing tooth decay and gum disease. It also allows for early detection of abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer, resulting in improved outcomes for treatment. Some patients may even need more than two cleanings a year, especially if they have a history of gum disease or build plaque quickly.
How can I afford dental cleanings without insurance?
It is possible to finance the cost of dental cleanings so you can pay off the cost gradually in smaller monthly payments. You may be able to purchase dental insurance or a membership to a dental care discount club.
Why Choose Holzinger Periodontics for Teeth Cleanings?
If you have gum disease in any stage from early to advanced, it is important to see a periodontist for deep cleanings on a regular basis. Periodontal maintenance from Holzinger Periodontics & Dental Implants can keep gum disease under control and well managed.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.