The Cost of Dental Cleanings in Petoskey, MI
Breaking Down Dental Cleaning Cost
While dental cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health, our dentist acknowledges that the cost can be a concern for many patients. Fortunately, most dental cleanings are covered under insurance plans. Our Petoskey, MI dentist provides an overview of the costs associated with dental cleanings and the resources available to help you access essential dental care and maintain good oral health.
If you’re searching for a new dentist in Petoskey, MI, contact our dental practice today to schedule your routine professional cleaning at (231) 347-2188.
How Much Do Dental Cleanings Cost?
In the United States, the average cost of a dental cleaning ranges from $75 to $200 per session. However, teeth cleaning costs may increase if additional treatments are needed. For instance, scaling and root planing can cost up to $400 per deep cleaning session. Your total cost will also depend on factors such as location, your dentist’s experience, and more.
Factors That Influence Dental Cleaning Costs
Several factors can affect the average cost of your dental cleaning, including:
- Location: Costs vary based on the location of the dental office. Dental offices in urban areas tend to charge more than those in rural areas.
- Type of Cleaning: The cost also depends on the type of cleaning required. Routine cleaning typically costs less than periodontal maintenance or scaling and root planing.
- Dental Insurance: Dental insurance can significantly reduce the cost of routine dental cleaning. The coverage amount varies depending on the type of insurance plan.
- Additional Treatments: If additional treatments are needed, such as fluoride application or dental X-rays, the cost of dental cleaning can increase.
- The Experience and Training of the Dentist: More experienced dentists often charge more than less experienced ones.
Additional Costs
During a professional teeth cleaning, additional costs can accumulate. These costs will vary based on the individual’s dental health and the type of teeth cleaning required.
Potential additional costs include:
- Dental X-rays: If X-rays are needed during a dental cleaning, there may be an extra charge. The cost of X-rays can vary depending on the number of images required.
- Fluoride treatment: Fluoride treatments are optional but help protect against tooth decay. If a patient opts for fluoride treatment during their dental cleaning, there may be an additional cost.
- Deep cleaning: Patients with significant tartar buildup or gum disease may require a deep cleaning procedure, also known as scaling and root planing. Deep cleanings are more extensive than routine cleanings and will cost more.
- Dental sealants: Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the teeth to prevent decay. If a patient chooses to have dental sealants applied during their routine dental cleaning, there may be an additional cost.
Be sure to discuss any potential additional costs with the dental office before scheduling a cleaning. Many dental offices will provide an estimate of the total cost of your teeth cleaning and any additional treatments before the appointment.
Patients should also check with their insurance provider to see if additional dental services and treatments are covered under their insurance plan. By understanding the potential additional costs associated with a dental cleaning, patients can make informed decisions about their oral health and finances.
Dental Insurance and Financing
Dental insurance can assist in covering the cost of dental cleanings, as well as other dental procedures. The specific coverage for dental cleanings will vary depending on the insurance plan, but most plans cover at least two cleanings per year.
A general overview of insurance coverage is as follows:
- Preventive care: Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care at 100%, meaning you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket. This includes dental cleanings, exams, and X-rays.
- Basic procedures: Basic procedures, such as dental fillings and extractions, are typically covered at 80%. This means you will have to pay 20% of the cost out of pocket.
- Major procedures: Major procedures, such as crowns and root canals, are typically covered at 50%. This means you’ll have to pay 50% of the cost out of pocket.
When selecting your insurance plan, consider these tips:
- Choose a plan that covers preventive care at 100% to ensure you don’t have to pay out of pocket for dental cleanings.
- Ensure the plan you choose is in-network with your dentist to maximize coverage for dental cleanings.
- Be aware of the deductibles and copays for your plan to help budget for the cost of dental cleanings.
- File your dental insurance claims promptly to get reimbursed for the cost of dental cleanings.
If you’re uninsured and looking for alternatives, consider financing options:
- Dental credit cards: Several dental credit cards offer financing options for dental procedures, including dental cleanings. These cards typically offer 0% interest for a certain period, such as 6 or 12 months, on purchases over a certain amount.
- In-house dental financing: Some dentists offer in-house financing options for their patients. This can be a good option if you have bad credit or do not qualify for a dental credit card.
- CareCredit: CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that can be used to finance dental cleanings and other medical procedures. CareCredit offers 0% interest for 6, 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases of $200 or more when you make the minimum monthly payments and pay the full amount due by the end of the promotional period.
