How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?
Updated 28 March 2026
Regular vs deep cleaning costs, what insurance covers, what happens during the appointment, and how often you actually need to go.
Quick Answer
- Regular cleaning (prophylaxis): $75 to $200
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing): $150 to $350 per quadrant
- Deep cleaning, full mouth: $600 to $1,400
- With insurance (regular cleaning): $0 to $50
Most dental insurance covers two routine cleanings per year at 100%. If you have insurance, skipping cleanings wastes coverage you have already paid for.
Regular Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
These are two different procedures with different purposes. Your dentist decides which one you need based on the health of your gums.
Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
Preventive$75 to $200
- For patients with healthy gums
- Removes plaque and light tartar buildup
- Recommended every six months
- Covered at 100% by most insurance
- Takes 45 to 60 minutes
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
Therapeutic$150 to $350 per quadrant
$600 to $1,400 for full mouth
- For patients with gum disease
- Cleans below the gumline and smooths root surfaces
- Done when pockets are deeper than 3mm
- Often done in two visits (two quadrants per visit)
- Local anesthetic is usually used
How your dentist decides which you need
Your hygienist measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth using a probe. Healthy pockets are 1 to 3mm. Pockets of 4mm or more indicate gum disease, and your dentist will recommend deep cleaning to stop it from progressing. You cannot treat this with brushing at home once pockets have formed.
With Insurance vs Without Insurance
Insurance has a big impact on cleaning costs, particularly for routine visits.
| Service | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Regular cleaning (adult) | $75 to $200 | $0 to $50 |
| Regular cleaning (child) | $50 to $150 | $0 |
| Deep cleaning (per quadrant) | $150 to $350 | $30 to $100 |
| Deep cleaning (full mouth) | $600 to $1,400 | $120 to $500 |
| Periodontal maintenance | $100 to $300 | $50 to $150 |
If you have insurance
- Most plans cover 2 cleanings per year at 100% (no copay)
- Deep cleaning is typically covered at 80% after your deductible
- Check whether your plan has a waiting period for new members
- Annual maximums are usually $1,000 to $2,000 per person
If you do not have insurance
Worth asking aboutMany dental offices offer in-house membership plans. These are not insurance but a direct payment plan with the practice.
- Typically $200 to $400 per year per adult
- Usually includes 2 cleanings, exam, and X-rays
- Often 10 to 20% off other treatments
- No waiting periods, no claim forms
What Happens During a Cleaning
A standard routine cleaning covers several steps. This is what you are paying for.
Tartar removal (scaling)
A hygienist uses metal instruments or an ultrasonic scaler to remove calculus (hardened tartar) from your teeth. You cannot remove tartar with brushing at home once it has formed. This is the core of the cleaning.
Polishing
After scaling, the hygienist polishes your teeth with a gritty paste to remove surface stains and smooth the tooth surface. This makes it harder for plaque to stick between visits.
Flossing
Professional flossing cleans between teeth and checks for any areas of bleeding or tenderness that might indicate early gum disease. Your hygienist will also show you technique if needed.
Fluoride treatment
A fluoride gel or varnish is applied to strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. Takes about one minute. Common for children; also offered to adults at higher cavity risk.
Cavity and gum check
Your dentist or hygienist examines each tooth for signs of decay and measures gum pocket depths. X-rays may be taken (typically every 12 to 24 months) to check for problems not visible to the eye.
Oral cancer screening
Most dentists include a quick visual check of the soft tissues in your mouth, lips, and throat as part of a routine visit. This is typically included in the exam fee, not the cleaning fee.
How Often Should You Get a Cleaning?
The answer is not the same for everyone.
Every 6 months
Standard recommendation
Suitable for most adults with healthy gums and no history of gum disease. Twice a year is the standard that most dental insurance plans are built around.
Every 3 to 4 months
For higher-risk patients
Recommended after a course of deep cleaning (periodontal maintenance), or for patients who build tartar quickly, smoke, have diabetes, or have a history of frequent cavities.
Every 6 months for children
From first tooth or age 1
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit when the first tooth appears or by age 1. Twice-yearly cleanings from early childhood build good habits and catch problems early.
Once a year
Not ideal, but better than nothing
Some adults with consistently excellent home care and no risk factors can maintain good oral health with one annual visit. Discuss this with your dentist rather than assuming it applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a regular dental cleaning cost without insurance?
A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) costs $75 to $200 without insurance. The price depends on your location and the practice. Urban areas and specialist practices charge more. Ask about in-house membership plans, which often include two cleanings per year for $200 to $400 annually.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is preventive maintenance for healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a therapeutic procedure for gum disease. Your dentist measures the pockets around your teeth: pockets deeper than 3mm indicate gum disease and require deep cleaning. Deep cleaning costs $150 to $350 per quadrant, or $600 to $1,400 for the full mouth.
Does dental insurance cover teeth cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover two routine cleanings per year at 100% with no copay. This is classified as preventive care. Deep cleanings are typically covered at 80% after you meet your deductible, leaving you responsible for roughly 20% of the cost plus the deductible amount.
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Every six months is the standard recommendation for most adults. Some people with a history of gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or other risk factors may be advised to go every three to four months. Children generally follow the same twice-yearly schedule. Ask your dentist what interval makes sense for your situation.
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CDT code: D1110