How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?
Last updated: June 10, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
A routine dental cleaning costs $100 to $300 without insurance, averaging around $150 for a standard cleaning, exam, and X-rays. Deep cleaning — also called scaling and root planing, used to treat gum disease — costs significantly more, typically $150 to $400 per quadrant of the mouth, or $600 to $1,500 for a full-mouth deep cleaning.
Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings at 100% up to twice a year as preventive care, which means many people pay little or nothing out of pocket for a standard visit. Deep cleaning is usually covered too, but often at a lower percentage and sometimes subject to a deductible.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $100 – $300
Low end
$70
High end
$1,500+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
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Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Cleaning/scaling procedure | $80 – $180 |
| Dental exam | $20 – $60 |
| X-rays (if due) | $0 – $80 |
| Fluoride treatment (optional) | $0 – $20 |
What Affects the Cost
Routine cleaning vs. deep cleaning
A routine cleaning removes surface plaque and tartar above the gumline in about 30-45 minutes. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease below the gumline, takes much longer, and is often done in two or more visits, which is why it costs several times more.
Insurance coverage
Most dental plans cover routine cleanings at 100% up to twice a year with no deductible, but deep cleaning is typically covered at a lower percentage (often 50-80%) and may count toward an annual maximum.
X-rays and exam
A full set of X-rays isn't needed at every visit but adds to the cost when due, and many practices bundle the dentist's exam fee separately from the hygienist's cleaning fee.
Provider type
General dentist offices are the standard price point, dental school clinics offer discounted cleanings performed by supervised students, and periodontists (gum specialists) charge more but are often necessary for advanced gum disease.
Severity of gum disease
The more quadrants of the mouth that need scaling and root planing, and the more advanced the gum disease, the more appointments and total cost are involved.
Geographic location
Dental fees vary by metro area and state, with cleanings in higher cost-of-living regions generally running above the national average.
Ways to Save
- Use dental insurance if you have it — most plans cover routine cleanings at 100% twice a year with no out-of-pocket cost.
- Ask about a dental school clinic near you for discounted cleanings performed under licensed supervision.
- Look into discount dental membership plans if you're uninsured — they offer reduced rates for a flat annual fee.
- Keep up with 6-month cleanings, since skipping visits can let plaque progress to gum disease, which costs far more to treat.
- Ask your dentist's office about a payment plan or financing for deep cleaning if it isn't fully covered by insurance.
- Check community health centers, which often offer income-based sliding-scale dental pricing.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental cleaning cost without insurance?
A routine dental cleaning without insurance typically costs $100 to $300, including the cleaning, exam, and any X-rays, averaging around $150.
How much does a deep cleaning cost?
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) typically costs $150 to $400 per quadrant of the mouth, or $600 to $1,500 for a full-mouth deep cleaning across all four quadrants.
Does insurance cover dental cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings at 100% up to twice per year as preventive care. Deep cleaning is usually covered too, but often at a lower percentage.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline and takes about 30-45 minutes. A deep cleaning treats gum disease below the gumline, takes longer, and is usually done over multiple visits.
How often should you get a dental cleaning?
Most dentists recommend a cleaning every 6 months, though people with a history of gum disease may be advised to come in every 3-4 months.