4 Types of Teeth Cleaning: Procedures, Costs, and Who Needs Each
Not all dental cleanings are the same. The type you need determines your cost, how long it takes, whether you need anesthesia, and how your insurance covers it.
Overview: All 4 Types at a Glance
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Prophylaxis (Routine Cleaning) | $75-$200 |
| Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) | $150-$350/quadrant |
| Periodontal Maintenance | $100-$250 |
| Full Mouth Debridement | $100-$250 |
Prophylaxis (Routine Cleaning)
D1110 (adult), D1120 (child)Cost
$75-$200
Duration
30-60 minutes
Anesthesia
Not needed
Frequency
Every 6 months
Insurance
Preventive - 100% covered
Who needs it
Patients with healthy gums and gum pockets of 3mm or less. No active gum disease. The standard twice-yearly cleaning most people receive.
What happens
Removal of plaque and calculus from all tooth surfaces above and at the gumline. Polishing to remove surface stains. Flossing. Optional fluoride application.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
D4341 (4+ teeth/quad), D4342 (1-3 teeth/quad)Cost
$150-$350/quadrant
Duration
60-120 min per appointment (2 visits)
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia standard
Frequency
One-time active treatment
Insurance
Basic - 80% covered
Who needs it
Patients with gum pockets of 4mm or deeper. Active periodontitis with calculus below the gumline. Bone loss visible on X-ray.
What happens
Deep scaling below the gumline to remove calculus from root surfaces. Root planing to smooth root surface and discourage bacterial reattachment. Treatment done in quadrants, usually 2 visits.
Periodontal Maintenance
D4910Cost
$100-$250
Duration
45-75 minutes
Anesthesia
Sometimes needed for sensitive areas
Frequency
Every 3-4 months (ongoing)
Insurance
Basic - 80% covered (not preventive)
Who needs it
Patients who have completed active periodontal therapy (deep cleaning). Required for life once gum disease has been diagnosed and treated.
What happens
Above and below gumline cleaning. Site-specific scaling where pockets remain deeper than 3mm. Pocket depth measurement and monitoring. Oral hygiene reinforcement.
Full Mouth Debridement
D4355Cost
$100-$250
Duration
60-90 minutes
Anesthesia
Sometimes used
Frequency
One-time (before proper diagnosis)
Insurance
Varies by plan
Who needs it
Patients with extensive calculus deposits throughout the mouth, making proper examination impossible. Often prescribed for patients who have not seen a dentist in 3+ years.
What happens
Gross removal of supragingival and subgingival plaque and calculus to allow accurate assessment of gum health. A re-evaluation is scheduled 4-6 weeks later to determine the actual diagnosis.
Which Type Do I Need? Decision Guide
If: Healthy gums, last cleaning within 18 months?
Then: Routine Prophylaxis (D1110) - the standard twice-yearly cleaning.
If: Gum pockets 4mm+ measured at your exam?
Then: Scaling and Root Planing (D4341/D4342) - deep cleaning to treat active gum disease.
If: Already completed deep cleaning in the past?
Then: Periodontal Maintenance (D4910) - ongoing every 3-4 months for life.
If: Haven't seen a dentist in 3+ years with heavy buildup?
Then: Full Mouth Debridement (D4355) first, then re-evaluation 4-6 weeks later to determine actual needs.