Teeth cleaning is one of the most basic dental services. It is a preventive measure against tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months.
If you have dental insurance, teeth cleanings are typically covered. But if you don’t have insurance, you may be wondering how much a teeth cleaning costs in Huntersville, North Carolina. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a routine teeth cleaning appointment in your area.
What Does a Teeth Cleaning Entail?
A professional teeth cleaning is typically performed by a dental hygienist. When you go to the dentist for a routine appointment, a dental hygienist is the person who performs the majority of your dental cleaning. They will use dental tools to gently remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) from your teeth. Your hygienist will typically floss your teeth as well, and then polish them using an electric rotating tool to smooth the enamel. Afterwards your dentist will come in and perform an oral examination to check the condition of your teeth and mouth, as well as a basic oral cancer screening.
Average Cost of a Teeth Cleaning Visit
The average cost of a dental cleaning typically ranges somewhere between $130-350The average is $194. Why do prices vary? Because dental practices determine their prices for dental services based on a variety of factors.
What Factors Into the Cost of Teeth Cleaning?
There are a number of factors that dental practices consider when setting their prices for dental services, such as:
- Cost of living in the area. The cost of living in your area will affect the price of a variety of services, including dental.
- Competition with other practices. For a dental practice to stay competitive, they may set their prices to be comparable with other practices in the area.
- Experience and qualifications of the dentist. The more experience and the higher the qualifications of the dentist(s) at the practice, the higher the cost of services may be.
- Your individual needs. Some patients need more extensive dental cleanings than others. If your needs go above and beyond a basic cleaning, you may have a higher cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services such as routine teeth cleanings and oral examinations at 100%. Some plans will cover these services with a copay for each visit.
If you don’t have dental insurance, teeth cleanings are still relatively affordable. Many people do not have dental insurance, either because their employer doesn’t offer it, they are self-employed, or they are 65 or older and on Medicare, which doesn’t include dental coverage.
You could purchase your own dental insurance, or pay for the cost of dental cleanings out of pocket. You could also set up a savings account for dental care expenses. If you have an HSA (health savings account) or an FSA (flexible spending account) you can use those funds to pay for dental care.
The Importance of Teeth Cleanings
It is common to skip dental cleanings when you don’t have dental insurance. Even some people who have insurance don’t go to the dentist regularly. But preventive dentistry is extremely important. Having your teeth cleaned every 6 months removes plaque and calculus to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Minor tooth decay can be treated and the teeth can often be saved. But in severe cases it can result in loss of teeth. Gum disease is a chronic condition that can be difficult to treat once it takes root. Severe cases of gum disease can also result in the loss of teeth.
Regular teeth cleanings can save you time, money, and discomfort. Maintenance is always preferable over repair or replacement, and the same is true for your teeth.
Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning Today With the Smile Architects
If it's been more than 6 months since your last teeth cleaning, it's time to schedule your appointment. The Smile Architects provide affordable dental cleanings and flexible scheduling in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Call 704-875-1621or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.