Deep cleaning teeth cost
Periodontal treatment, also known as a deep cleaning, removes plaque and tartar below the gumline to help treat gum disease. The cost depends on your needs and insurance, and knowing the basics help you plan with confidence.
How much does a dental deep cleaning cost?
Average cost is $279 per quadrant¹
If you’re experiencing gingivitis, gum disease or chronic bad breath, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment, also known as a dental deep cleaning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline to help treat and prevent gum disease.
During your exam, your dentist will assess each area of your mouth to determine how many quadrants need care. Some patients only need one or two quadrants treated, which lowers the overall cost. Early-stage gum disease is usually easier to treat, while advanced periodontitis often requires more extensive treatment.
Schedule a checkup with your Aspen Dental dentist to get a personalized recommendation based on your oral health.
¹Price displayed is approximation based on 2025 internal data and may not reflect the actual cost you will encounter due to individual factors for selected services. The average patient requires 2.5 quadrants of deep cleaning treatment. Price range varies from $186 to $418. For location specific pricing, please click here.
Deep cleaning teeth cost with insurance | Deep cleaning teeth cost without insurance |
Deep cleaning teeth cost with insurance is often much lower, since periodontal treatment is considered medically necessary. Many plans cover part of the cost after the deductible. Your out-of-pocket amount depends on your coverage, annual maximums and whether your dentist is in-network. Aspen Dental accepts most dental insurance plans and helps you get the most from your benefits. Please note we do not accept Medicaid. | Deep cleaning teeth cost without insurance varies based on the severity of gum disease and how many quadrants need treatment. Your out-of-pocket cost can also depend on your dentist's fees and where you live. Some offices may charge extra for charting, antibiotic therapy or follow-up periodontal maintenance. Asking about third-party financing or the Aspen Dental Savings Plan² can help lower your total cost. |
²The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
Factors that influence teeth deep cleaning cost
Severity of gum disease
The amount of plaque, tartar and gum inflammation affects how long your deep cleaning takes and how detailed the work needs to be.
Advanced periodontal disease often requires more time and more skilled care, which can increase the overall cost.
Number of quadrants treated
Deep cleanings are priced per quadrant rather than per visit.
Additional periodontal procedures
Services such as periodontal charting, localized antibiotics, scaling tools and laser therapy can add to the total cost.
Follow-up periodontal maintenance visits will be required.
Dental insurance coverage
Insurance affects out-of-pocket costs.
Many plans cover 50%–80% of medically necessary deep cleaning procedures after deductibles are met, reducing patient expenses.
Aspen Dental makes teeth deep cleaning affordable
Explore dental insurance plans we accept.
We do not accept Medicaid.
Apply for 3rd-party financing in 3 easy steps. 99% of patients are approved.
No insurance? Start today with discounted care through the Aspen Dental Savings Plan².
Is scaling and root planing worth the cost?
Scaling and root planing is often worth the cost because it helps stop gum disease from progressing and protects you from more extensive and expensive treatment later on. By treating infection early you can reduce inflammation, improve gum health and lower your chances of needing procedures such as gum surgery or tooth replacement. For many patients, the health benefits and long-term savings make this deep cleaning a cost-effective step toward a healthier smile.
Deep cleaning cost vs. regular cleaning
Deep cleaning teeth cost more than a regular dental cleaning because they treat active gum disease rather than healthy gums. A regular cleaning removes plaque above the gumline, while a deep cleaning removes tartar below the gumline and requires more time and specialized care. This treatment also helps prevent issues like gum surgery or tooth loss later on.
Dental deep cleaning cost FAQs
How much does a deep cleaning cost at the dentist?
The cost of a deep cleaning depends on the 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.
How often do I need a deep cleaning?
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 six-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.
Why is a deep cleaning more expensive than a regular cleaning?
Deep cleaning treats disease below the gumline, which requires more time, specialized tools and clinical expertise than a routine cleaning. 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.
How much is a deep dental cleaning for adults?
A deep dental cleaning for adults varies based on the severity of gum disease and the dentist’s location. 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.
What factors affect teeth deep cleaning cost without insurance?
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.
How much does teeth deep cleaning cost with insurance?
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.
How much is a deep cleaning at Aspen Dental?
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.
Why is dental deep cleaning cost calculated per quadrant?
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. 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.
How can I reduce the average cost of deep cleaning teeth?
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.