Delta Dental of Colorado Blog

Delta Dental of Colorado's oral health blog with tips on improving your health, wellness and smile.

  • Dental Health
  • Foundation
  • Dental Benefits
  • Español
  • Dental Health for Older Adults

What is the Cost of a Teeth Cleaning?

October 10, 2017 By Shelby Tatomir

Going to the dentist can be stressful for many reasons. Don’t let the cost of preventive care be one of them. Find out how much it typically costs to get your teeth cleaned.

Dental cleanings are a necessary part of staying healthy, and dental insurance plays a large role in determining how much you pay.

If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost could range from $80-$100.

Dental visits can get complicated without dental coverage when you consider all the things that impact the cost of a teeth cleaning. Between the tools, the polish, the X-rays, and the dental care specialists, there’s a lot of work that goes into a dental cleaning. Without dental coverage, these procedures can add up. For example, if your dentist recommends you have X-rays done, the total cost for an appointment with these additional services can be $100–$300 or more, depending on local rates and the number and type of X-rays.

For more information on our individual dental plans, CLICK HERE

If you have dental insurance, you may not pay anything for your preventive care.*

A regular teeth cleaning is categorized as preventive care. With Delta Dental benefits, a certain number of dental exams and cleanings are covered so that your dentist can check on your oral health on a routine basis. Teeth cleaning appointments for new patients typically include an exam and X-rays. Remember to check your coverage before you go to the dentist to see your plan specifics. Click here to learn how often you should go to the dentist.

Are There Additional Expenses?

Be aware that extra cleanings or additional procedures may be needed if you haven’t seen a dentist recently. These additional procedures may include:

  • Fillings — The cost depends on the number of fillings and which tooth is being filled.
  • Root canals —The price depends on which tooth, which oral quadrant, and the amount of work needed.
  • Crowns — The cost depends on which tooth.

That’s why preventive dental care is so important. If you brush and floss each morning and night and even after meals — and see your dentist twice a year — you’re much less likely to need further dental work. Remember that costs may vary by location and your dental plan specifics.

*See your plan for specific information, or CLICK HERE to learn more about our plans

*Updated November 2020

Related

Filed Under: Dental Benefits

About

Since 1954, Delta Dental has been working to improve oral health and hygiene by emphasizing preventative care, because we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy a healthy … Read More...

Categories

Search

Copyright © 2025 • Delta Dental of Colorado