Insurance programs cover a significant portion of dental service expenses. Therefore, it’s expected that professional teeth cleaning cost without insurance is often notably higher. However, with strategic budgeting and proper planning, you can set aside funds to receive this essential preventive treatment regularly.
In this blog, we’ll cover the various types of professional dental cleaning and the associated costs. Keep reading to learn more.
Professional Teeth Cleaning Explained
Professional dental cleaning is a procedure performed by a dentist and goes beyond routine brushing and flossing. In such treatments, a dental professional examines your teeth to identify signs of inflammation, decay, and other dental issues.
Afterward, the dentist uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and along the gum line. Following this, your doctor polishes your teeth, usually with gritty toothpaste or an abrasive, to remove stains. In addition, in some cases, the procedure includes fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel.
Pro tip: You can also schedule a visit to discuss the best teeth whitening methods to help restore your teeth’s brightness after the cleaning process is finished.
Our doctors recommend that most patients visit the dental clinic for professional cleaning every 6 months. However, the interval may vary depending on each person’s needs and oral health risk.
Professional teeth cleaning cost without insurance can be expensive for many people, but it’s best not to delay or ignore the procedure, because of the following reasons:
- Regular cleaning prevents plaque and tartar-related damage
- Maintaining consistency in teeth cleaning improves your overall health condition
- It keeps your smile bright and gives you confidence
- Routine dental cleaning prevents costly treatments in the long term
- Teeth cleaning stops gum disease and cavities before escalation
Need Professional Dental Checkups?
Regular dental checkups help maintain oral health and reduce the risk of serious dental problems. If you haven’t had a checkup in a while, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Read more: “How to Restore Gum Health and Prevent Gum Disease Naturally“
How Much Does Professional Teeth Cleaning Cost Without Insurance?
Besides routine dental cleaning, there’s also a deep cleaning procedure called SRP (scaling and root planing). As the name implies, it goes beyond removing surface plaque and tartar. It targets buildup below the gum line and removes dirt and debris there.
In this section, we’ll discuss professional teeth cleaning costs without insurance for all types of procedures.
Typical Cost Ranges for Routine Cleaning
In summary, routine dental hygiene & teeth cleaning costs between CA $150 and CA $400, depending on the number of units that need treatment. Each session lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and there is no need for recovery after the procedure. The patient can resume normal activities immediately after leaving the clinic.
Typical Cost Ranges for Deep Cleaning
When the gums and surrounding structures are at serious risk and show signs of severe issues, the dentist may plan a deep cleaning & soft tissue evaluation, since standard cleaning can’t address the problem effectively.
Simply put, if you avoid visiting your dentist for a while, issues can worsen quickly, and minor problems can escalate into painful diseases. This is when you must undergo a deep cleaning, or SRP, to restore your oral health.
The cost for such procedures varies between CA $150 and CA $400, depending on various factors.
Typical Cost Ranges for Scaling, Polish & Fluoride Therapy
In addition to these two common methods, Scaling, Polish & Fluoride Therapy is also recommended for a more thorough cleaning, with a positive impact on oral health and appearance. The professional teeth cleaning cost without insurance for this particular procedure ranges from CA $150 and CA $400.
What Factors Impact the Cost?
These factors affect the professional teeth cleaning cost without insurance:
- Type of cleaning required: As explained earlier, different types of cleaning come with various costs. For example, basic routine cleaning is cheaper than more in-depth procedures, such as scaling and root planing.
- Dentist experience: Naturally, more experienced dentists tend to charge more for their services, as they have proven their ability to deliver better outcomes.
- Tartar and plaque buildup and gum disease severity: Heavy buildup indicates a higher risk of further issues and severe dental trauma. Simply put, the more severe the gum disease, the more time scaling and root planing takes, which adds to the overall cost.
- Additional services: If the dentist determines your procedure requires add-on services such as X-rays, dental exams, or fluoride applications, you should expect higher costs.
- Appointment duration and visit frequency: The session duration directly impacts the professional teeth cleaning cost without insurance. As expected, patients who haven’t had a cleaning for a long time need longer sessions or multiple visits, which translates into higher costs.
In addition to the factors mentioned, returning patients usually pay less because first-time visitors may undergo a complete examination, including an oral exam and charting.
Take the Next Step to Manage Professional Teeth Cleaning Cost Without Insurance
Although professional teeth cleaning cost without insurance can be quite high in some cases, it’s impossible to overlook its importance. Ignoring routine cleaning sessions for an extended period will result in costly, painful problems in the future, which can end up costing far more in the long run.
If you’re in Newmarket and looking for a reputable clinic for professional cleaning, our skilled dentists at Leslie North Dental are ready to provide you with high-quality services. Contact us today to schedule your visit to maintain a healthy smile.
FAQ
How often should I get a professional teeth cleaning?
Most people should get a professional teeth cleaning every six months to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Those with a history of periodontal issues or heavy tartar accumulation may benefit from more frequent visits, typically every three to four months.
Will a cleaning be enough if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?
If you haven’t been to the dentist in several years, a standard cleaning might not be enough. Your dentist will first evaluate your gums and teeth to check for tartar buildup or gum disease. If these are present, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be necessary before routine maintenance cleanings can resume.
What’s the difference between routine cleaning and deep cleaning?
A routine cleaning focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains from above the gum line to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A deep cleaning, on the other hand, targets buildup below the gum line and smooths tooth roots to treat gum disease and prevent further infection. Deep cleaning is typically needed when there’s significant tartar or bone loss around the teeth.
We’d love to hear about your experience with professional dental cleanings. How often do you schedule them, and what benefits have you noticed? Share your thoughts or tips in the comments below.
