Routine dental care is recommended for everyone. You should have a professional teeth cleaning every 6 months to remove plaque and check for dental issues like decay and gum disease. If you have dental insurance, regular dental cleanings and exams are typically covered twice a year.
But what if you don’t have insurance? How much does a teeth cleaning cost in the Belmont, Massachusetts area if you’re paying out of pocket? Here’s what you can expect.
Average Cost of a Routine Dental Cleaning
You can expect to be quoted an out of pocket cost for a dental cleaning and exam somewhere in the range of $100 to $200 with an average cost of about $150. This is not considered to be a significant expense in the grand scheme of dental and medical costs.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Cleanings
The cost of a standard dental cleaning varies due to a few different factors, such as:
- Geographical location of your dentist. Where your dentist’s office is located plays a part in the cost of a dental cleaning. Cost of living in the area dictates the cost of a variety of services including dental. Larger cities with dense populations may have higher rates for dental cleanings than smaller towns.
- What a dental cleaning entails. Many dentists include additional dental services during routine cleanings such as X-Rays, fluoride treatments, and screenings. The more services that are included in your cleaning, the higher the cost will likely be.
- The dentist’s level of experience. A dentist who has been practicing for a while may charge more for dental services due to their level of experience. A dental cleaning is by no means a complex procedure, but an established dental practice may have higher rates.
- The reputation of the dental practice. A dental practice with a reputation for excellent service in the community may have higher rates for cleanings based on their name. Patients are often willing to pay more to go to a well-known dentist they can trust.
- Your insurance provider (if you have one). If you do have dental insurance, your provider will likely have a list of in-network dentists. This means that the rates for cleanings and other dental services are pre-negotiated at lower rates for patients who have coverage under certain providers. Dental cleanings from an in-network dentist will likely be fully covered by your insurance plan, whereas an out of network dentist may cost you some out of pocket after insurance.
- The attention to detail. Dental cleanings are recommended twice a year by the American Dental Association. While some dental practices may have lower fees or be in-network with a dental insurance plan offering discounts; those reduced rates could translate into shorter appointment times and/or reduced quality of care due to less experienced staff members. On individuals with no sign of gum disease, a cleaning along with additional services usually take about 1hr. For more severe cases, the length of appointment and procedures recommended by your dentist will vary.
In-Office Dental Insurance and Financing
If you don’t have dental insurance through your employer or private insurance, many dental practices offer in-office memberships and payment plans. This allows you to make payments or purchase a yearly plan that covers dental cleanings and other routine procedures. Ask your dentist about options for uninsured patients.
Why are Dental Cleanings Important?
Many people who don’t have dental insurance simply won’t go to the dentist unless they have a severe toothache or other dental emergency. But regular dental cleanings are important for your dental health. Brushing and flossing your teeth, even if you are thorough, can’t remove all of the plaque from your teeth. Plaque can cause cavities and gum disease, which are both more expensive to treat after they occur than taking preventative measures. You only get one set of permanent teeth in your lifetime. Once they are gone, the only option is expensive replacements. Take care of your original teeth and they will last for the rest of your life.
Belmont Family Dentistry Provides Dental Memberships
If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry. You can still be a patient at Belmont Family Dentistry. We provide affordable dental services as well as memberships and financing to help you pay for necessary dental care. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality dental care, regardless of financial status. Don’t let lack of insurance get in the way of your dental health.
Call 617-484-1760 today to schedule a cleaning or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain your dental health.