TeethCleaningCost.com
Updated April 2026

How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost in 2026?

Quick Answer

Routine cleaning: $75-$200

Deep cleaning: $150-$350 per quadrant ($600-$1,400 full mouth)

With insurance: routine cleaning is typically $0 (100% preventive). Deep cleaning: $120-$700 out of pocket.

This guide covers all 4 types of dental cleaning, real ADA procedure codes, what insurance actually pays, and how to cut costs without skipping care.

Cost Estimator

Select your procedure and insurance status to see your likely cost range.

Estimated cost range

$75 - $200

ADA code: D1110 / D1120 - Without insurance

Standard preventive cleaning for patients with healthy gums. Removes plaque and tartar above the gumline.

ADA Procedure Code Cost Table

These are the official CDT codes your dentist bills. Knowing them helps you understand your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and negotiate costs.

ADA CodeProcedureLowHigh
D1110Adult Prophylaxis$75$200
D1120Child Prophylaxis$50$150
D4341Scaling and Root Planing (4+ teeth/quadrant)$150$350
D4342Scaling and Root Planing (1-3 teeth/quadrant)$100$300
D4355Full Mouth Debridement$100$250
D4910Periodontal Maintenance$100$250

Prices are national averages for 2026. Costs vary by region, provider type, and insurance plan. Urban markets typically run 20-40% higher than rural areas.

Which Type of Cleaning Do You Need?

Your dentist makes this call based on a gum pocket depth measurement (probing), X-rays, and your dental history.

Routine Prophylaxis

D1110 / D1120
$75-$200100% preventive

When you need it: Gum pockets 1-3mm. No bone loss. Healthy gums. Last cleaning within 18 months.

Scaling and Root Planing

D4341 / D4342
$150-$350/quadrant80% basic

When you need it: Gum pockets 4mm or deeper. Calculus (tartar) below the gumline. Bleeding on probing. Bone loss on X-ray.

Periodontal Maintenance

D4910
$100-$25080% basic

When you need it: After completing scaling and root planing. Ongoing every 3-4 months for life to prevent recurrence.

Full Mouth Debridement

D4355
$100-$250Varies

When you need it: Heavy tartar buildup preventing proper exam. Typically for patients who have not had professional cleaning in 3+ years.

See all 4 types of teeth cleaning for a full comparison table with duration, anesthesia, frequency, and insurance tier.

What Affects the Cost of Teeth Cleaning?

Type of cleaning

Routine prophylaxis vs deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) vs perio maintenance. Each has a different ADA code, insurance tier, and price.

Insurance coverage

Preventive procedures like D1110 are typically 100% covered. Basic procedures like D4341 are covered at 80% after deductible. No coverage means full list price.

Geographic location

Dentists in New York City or San Francisco charge 30-50% more than the national average. Rural and Midwest markets are typically below average.

Provider type

Private practices charge more than dental chains (Aspen Dental, Heartland). Dental school clinics cost 50-80% less. FQHCs use sliding-scale fees.

Add-on services

X-rays ($30-$250), fluoride treatment ($20-$50), sealants ($30-$60/tooth), and antibiotic placement (Arestin, $35-$75/site) all add to the bill.

Extent of disease

More quadrants treated means higher cost. A patient with severe gum disease in all 4 quadrants will pay 4x the single-quadrant price for deep cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does teeth cleaning cost in 2026?+
A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) costs $75-$200 without insurance. With dental insurance, most plans cover two routine cleanings per year at 100%, so your cost is typically $0. Deep cleaning costs $150-$350 per quadrant, or $600-$1,400 for a full mouth.
What is the difference between routine cleaning and deep cleaning?+
Routine cleaning (prophylaxis, ADA code D1110) removes plaque and tartar above and at the gumline for patients with healthy gums. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing, D4341/D4342) goes below the gumline to treat gum disease. Deep cleaning is prescribed when gum pockets measure 4mm or deeper.
Does dental insurance cover teeth cleaning?+
Yes. Most PPO and HMO dental plans cover two routine cleanings per year at 100% as preventive care with no copay when you use an in-network provider. Deep cleaning is typically covered at 80% as a basic procedure after your deductible.
How much does teeth cleaning cost without insurance?+
Without insurance, a routine cleaning costs $75-$200. A first visit with exam and X-rays adds another $150-$450. Deep cleaning runs $150-$350 per quadrant ($600-$1,400 full mouth). Dental schools offer the same procedures at 50-80% less.
What ADA codes are used for teeth cleaning?+
D1110 is prophylaxis for adults, D1120 for children. D4341 is scaling and root planing for 4+ teeth per quadrant, D4342 for 1-3 teeth per quadrant. D4910 is periodontal maintenance after deep cleaning. D4355 is full mouth debridement for heavily built-up patients.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?+
Every 6 months for most adults with healthy gums. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or periodontitis, your dentist will likely recommend every 3-4 months for periodontal maintenance (D4910). Risk factors that increase cleaning frequency include smoking, diabetes, dry mouth, and a history of periodontal disease.
Can I get free teeth cleaning?+
Yes. Free dental events like Remote Area Medical (RAM) and Missions of Mercy provide free cleanings. Community health centers (FQHCs) charge on a sliding scale based on income, sometimes as low as $0. Dental school clinics charge 50-80% less than private practices and are supervised by licensed faculty.
What is periodontal maintenance and how much does it cost?+
Periodontal maintenance (ADA code D4910) is ongoing treatment after deep cleaning for patients with a history of gum disease. It costs $100-$250 per visit. Unlike routine cleaning (preventive, 100% covered), it is classified as a basic procedure and covered at about 80% by most insurance plans.

Complete Teeth Cleaning Cost Guide

Deep Cleaning Cost

What to expect: per-quadrant pricing, additional costs, and total bill examples

Tartar Removal Cost

Why you cannot remove tartar at home and what professional scaling costs

Periodontal Maintenance Cost

Ongoing care after deep cleaning: D4910 explained, frequency, insurance nuance

Types of Teeth Cleaning

All 4 types with ADA codes, costs, duration, and who needs each

Cleaning vs Whitening

Cleaning is medical. Whitening is cosmetic. Costs, sequence, and what to choose

First Dental Visit Cost

Itemised breakdown: exam, X-rays, cleaning, fluoride. Budget $200-$450

Cost Without Insurance

Full price guide, cash discount tips, dental schools, and FQHC options

Affordable and Free Options

Medicaid, FQHC sliding scale, dental schools, discount plans, and free events

Children's Cleaning Cost

By age group, add-on costs, CHIP, Medicaid EPSDT, and what to expect

How Often Should You Get Cleaned?

Frequency by risk level, annual cost comparison, and long-term cost of skipping

TeethCleaningCost.com is an independent informational resource. We are not a dental practice, insurance company, or healthcare provider. Costs shown are national averages for 2026 and may vary by location, provider, and insurance plan.

Updated 2026-04-27