How many
Coverage
Where you live
Rough range
$200–$800
National range, narrowed by area. Exams, x-rays, sedation and follow-ups are often billed separately.
Not a quote. Ask the dental office for a written estimate with procedure codes before you agree to anything.
Add the rest of your treatment plan →Low end
$200
Average
$400
High end
$800
- Without insurance
- $200–$800
- With insurance · out of pocket
- $100–$300
- Typical coverage
- Varies by plan
With dental insurance that covers it, out-of-pocket cost is often around $100–$300, depending on your plan, deductible and annual maximum.
What you are paying for
What goes into the cost of a deep cleaning (scaling & root planing)
Deep cleaning generally costs between $200 and $800 without insurance, with around $400 typical. Unlike a regular cleaning, it is not billed per visit. It is billed by the quadrant, meaning each quarter of the mouth, and by how many teeth in that quarter need treating. So the first thing to establish is whether a quote covers one quadrant or all the areas being treated. The fee pays for the anesthetic and for a long stretch of skilled hand work by a hygienist or dentist. Charges that often sit alongside it include the gum exam and charting, a full set of X-rays, any medication placed into the pockets, the follow-up visit to re-measure, and the periodontal maintenance cleanings afterward, which cost more than standard cleanings.
Ways the bill can come down
Ask the office to show you which quadrants are affected, since only areas with deep pockets need this treatment and the fee follows the quadrants treated. Many dental plans contribute to scaling and root planing when pocket measurements and X-rays support it, so have a pre-treatment estimate sent with that documentation. Ask whether add-ons such as medication placed in the pockets are necessary or optional in your case. Dental hygiene schools and dental schools provide the treatment at reduced fees. Afterward, keeping up the home care and maintenance visits your dentist recommends is what prevents paying for it again. Leaving gum disease untreated tends to cost more in the end, in loose teeth and replacements.
Table 1 — Factors that affect deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) cost
Factors That Affect Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) Cost
- 01
How many quadrants need treatment
Gum disease is often uneven. Someone with deep pockets around the back teeth on one side pays for fewer quadrants than someone with disease throughout the mouth.
- 02
How many teeth in each quadrant
There are separate fees for a quadrant where most teeth are affected and one where only a few are. A quadrant with a few problem teeth is billed at the lower rate.
- 03
Depth of pockets and amount of tartar
Deeper pockets and heavy, long-standing deposits take longer to clean thoroughly. Some offices build that into the fee or schedule extra time for severe cases.
- 04
Hygienist or periodontist
In a general practice a hygienist usually performs the treatment. A periodontist, who specializes in gum disease, typically charges more and tends to see the more advanced cases.
- 05
Optional additions
Medication placed in individual pockets, antimicrobial rinses and laser treatment are extra, and the medication is often charged per tooth. Ask whether each is needed for your gums.
Table 2 — Payment options
Payment Options
Dental Insurance
Plans usually pay part of the cost of covered procedures after a deductible, up to an annual maximum. Ask for a pre-treatment estimate.
Payment Plans
Many dentists offer in-house financing or work with CareCredit.
Dental Discount Plans
A yearly membership that gives reduced fees at participating dentists. Not insurance; check what it covers.
Dental Schools
Dental school clinics charge lower fees for care by supervised students. Appointments take longer.
Cost disclaimer
Cost estimates are based on national averages and may vary significantly based on your location, dentist, insurance coverage, and specific treatment needs. These figures are for informational purposes only and are not quotes or guarantees of pricing. Ask your dental office for a written estimate before treatment.