Having your teeth professionally cleaned is important to your dental and oral health. Teeth cleanings remove plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease, preventing these common conditions from developing.
Preventive dentistry can save you a significant amount of time and money, but how much does a teeth cleaning cost? Here’s what you can expect to pay for preventive dental services in Snellville, Georgia.
What Does Teeth Cleaning Entail?
When you go to your dentist for a routine teeth cleaning, you will first see a dental hygienist who performs the majority of the cleaning. Dental tools are used to remove plaque and calculus from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film made of food residue and bacteria. When it hardens it becomes calculus, which is more difficult to remove and more likely to cause decay and gum disease. The teeth are then flossed and polished until smooth. Your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth after the cleaning to determine if there are any oral health concerns that need to be addressed.
Insurance Coverage For Teeth Cleanings
If you have dental insurance the cost of your regular teeth cleanings may be covered in full. As long as you schedule your appointments with 6 months between each, your insurance may cover them at 100%. Some insurance plans may require a copay for each visit.
Average Out of Pocket Cost of a Teeth Cleaning
Without insurance, teeth cleanings may range anywhere from $75 to $200 for a single appointment. The average cost falls somewhere around $125. What a dental practice charges for teeth cleaning depends on a variety of factors.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Cleanings
The following factors may contribute to the cost of a dental cleaning:
- Geographic location. Where the dental practice is located may play a part in the cost of a teeth cleaning. The cost of living in the area will be a factor, so a larger city or densely populated area may have a higher cost for teeth cleanings than a small town or rural area.
- Other rates in the area. Dental practices will set their rates to be competitive with other dental practices in the area that offer the same services.
- Reputation of the practice. An established dental practice with a good reputation in the community may have a higher rate for teeth cleanings than a newer practice that is still building a patient base.
- Experience of the dentist. The level of experience of the dentist(s) on staff may also contribute to the cost of a basic teeth cleaning.
Affordable Teeth Cleanings at Oak Road Dentistry
If you are in need of a dental home, Oak Road Dentistry provides teeth cleanings and other general dentistry services for families in Snellville, Georgia and the surrounding area. We accept most major dental insurance providers and plans and keep our rates affordable for those without insurance. We also recommend CareCredit to finance the out of pocket cost of dental services.
Call 770-985-9559 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Cleanings
Why are teeth cleanings needed so frequently?
We recommend having your teeth cleaned every 6 months because brushing and flossing alone cannot remove all of the plaque that can build up on your teeth. Professional teeth cleanings are thorough and designed to remove plaque that is left behind after brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
When should my child have their first teeth cleaning?
The first dental visit should be scheduled around the time your baby turns one. By this age they most likely have a few teeth in place that should be examined and cleaned. Starting dental care at an early age helps to normalize the experience to minimize the chances of developing fear and anxiety.