How much does a dental deep cleaning cost?
Overview
Gum disease starts silently below the gumline, where regular brushing can't reach. A deep dental cleaning, also known as periodontal treatment, removes years of plaque buildup, stops disease progression and restores gum health. At Aspen Dental, we offer affordable deep cleaning with transparent pricing to make this critical preventive treatment accessible.
Dental deep cleaning averages $289 per quadrant¹, ranging from $210 to $435
An exam evaluates your gum health to determine if a deep cleaning is needed
Average patient requires treatment on 2.5 quadrants
Aspen Dental Savings Plan² members save 20% on select hygiene and periodontal treatments
Deep cleaning prevents costly implant procedures
¹The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
²This average price of periodontal disease treatment is an approximation based on 2026 internal data and may not reflect the actual cost you will encounter due to individual factors. Price range varies from $210 to $435. For location specific pricing, please click here.
Deep cleaning costs
Deep cleaning cost depends on the amount of buildup, depth of gum pockets, and extent of disease. Areas with light tartar cost less per quadrant, while heavy calculus accumulation costs more. Many patients can have their deep cleaning completed in one appointment, though extensive disease may require two visits. Dental deep cleaning cost varies by location, and we provide an estimate before beginning treatment.
³This average price of periodontal disease treatment is an approximation based on 2026 internal data and may not reflect the actual cost you will encounter due to individual factors. Price range varies from $210 to $435. For location specific pricing, please click here.
What affects the cost of dental deep cleaning?
Deep cleaning (periodontal treatment) pricing is determined by the amount of buildup to remove, the number of mouth quadrants affected and any additional therapeutic options used.
Severity of gum disease
Deep cleaning cost depends on the level of plaque buildup, tartar and gum inflammation. More advanced periodontal disease typically requires additional time and care, which can increase overall cost.
Number of quadrants treated
Deep cleanings are priced per quadrant.
Additional periodontal procedures
Additional services, such as periodontal charting, localized antibiotics, specialized scaling tools or laser therapy, may increase total cost. Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits are also required.
Dental insurance coverage
Insurance can significantly affect out-of-pocket costs.
At Aspen Dental, we make dental care affordable
Most insurance accepted
Explore dental insurance plans we accept. We do not accept Medicaid.
Aspen Dental Savings Plan
Save on routine and major dental procedures with our savings plan.⁴
Flexible financing options
99% of patients who apply for 3rd-party financing are approved.
⁴The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
What's included with dental deep cleaning at Aspen Dental?
Comprehensive periodontal exam measuring pocket depth and assessing bone levels with specialized instruments
Full-mouth X-ray to assess bone levels and detect tartar below the gumline
Ultrasonic and hand scaling removing plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline
Root planing smoothing the root surfaces to promote gum reattachment and prevent future buildup
Local anesthesia ensuring complete comfort throughout the procedure
Post-treatment instructions for home care and 3-month follow-up appointment scheduling
Frequently asked questions about dental deep cleaning cost
The cost of a deep cleaning depends on the stage of periodontal disease, severity of buildup and how many quadrants need treatment. Most offices price periodontal care per quadrant so your treatment is tailored to your needs. After examining your gums and measuring pocket depths, your dentist will provide a personalized estimate.
Most patients only need a deep cleaning once to treat active gum disease. After that, you’ll move to periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months instead of the standard 6-month schedule. These visits help prevent gum disease from returning and support long-term gum health. Your dentist will check your progress at each appointment and adjust your schedule as needed.
Deep cleaning treats disease below the gumline, which requires more time, specialized tools and clinical expertise than a routine cleaning. Additional gum tissue treatments, like laser and antimicrobials may be needed to give you the optimal outcomes. Your dentist will numb each quadrant, remove tartar from the tooth roots and smooth the root surfaces to support healing. Regular cleanings focus only on above-the-gumline plaque on healthy teeth and take less time to complete.
A deep dental cleaning for adults varies based on the severity of gum disease and how many quadrants need treatment. Some patients may also have added costs for periodontal charting, localized antibiotics or follow-up maintenance visits. If you have dental insurance, many plans cover a portion of the cost when the treatment is medically necessary, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Without insurance, your cost depends on how many quadrants need treatment, the severity of gum disease and whether you need anesthesia or additional therapies like antibiotics. More complex cases may require more time and detailed care, which can increase the total cost. Aspen Dental offers transparent pricing and flexible payment options to help make treatment easier to manage.
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of scaling and root planing after you meet your deductible, since it’s considered a necessary periodontal treatment. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan’s coverage level, annual maximum and remaining benefits. Aspen Dental reviews your insurance ahead of time so you know your estimated cost before treatment.
Aspen Dental provides transparent pricing based on your specific treatment needs. The team evaluates your gum health, determines how many quadrants require care, verifies your insurance benefits and gives you a clear cost estimate before treatment begins. Aspen Dental also offers 3rd-party financing and payment options to help make care more accessible and affordable.
Your mouth is divided into four quadrants: upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left. Dentists treat and bill per quadrant because gum disease can affect each area differently. Since numbing may be needed, no more than half of the mouth is usually treated at one time to help keep you comfortable. You may need a deep cleaning in only one or two quadrants while other areas stay healthy. Per-quadrant pricing ensures you only pay for the areas that need periodontal care.
Ask about payment plans or 3rd-party financing options if you have insurance, and consider scheduling treatment before your annual maximum resets to make the most of your benefits. Aspen Dental also offers dental savings plans that provide discounts on periodontal care. Getting treatment early can prevent more complex procedures later on.