The Cost of Deep Cleanings Without Dental Insurance

If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning to treat gum disease, and don’t have a dental savings plan or dental insurance, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the price tag. Deep cleanings can be costly, and the costs can quickly add up depending on the severity of your gum disease.

In this guide, we’ll break down why treating gum disease is so important, what a deep cleaning really involves, how much it typically costs without insurance, and how to save money on the procedure even if you need treatment fast. We’ll also look at two options that can ease the financial burden: dental insurance and dental savings plans.

Why Treating Gum Disease is Important

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues and bones supporting the teeth. It typically begins as gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums, and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. In this advanced stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming infected pockets that can destroy bone and lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque buildup, but factors like smoking, poor oral hygiene, genetics, and systemic health issues such as diabetes can increase the risk and severity of the condition.

Managing gum disease is essential not only for maintaining a healthy mouth but also for protecting overall health. Research has linked periodontal disease to systemic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and complications with diabetes, likely due to the spread of inflammation and bacteria through the bloodstream. Early diagnosis and regular treatment – such as professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, and improved home care – can halt the progression of the disease and preserve both oral and systemic health. Ignoring gum disease doesn’t just endanger your teeth – it may contribute to broader health problems that are far more difficult and expensive to manage.

What Is a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning – also known as scaling and root planing – is a non-surgical treatment for moderate to severe gum disease. Unlike a standard cleaning that focuses on the surfaces of your teeth, a deep cleaning goes below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that have built up over time. The treatment can be done by a general dentist, or you may be referred to a periodontist – a dentist that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the gums.

Here’s how deep cleaning works:

• Scaling: Removes hardened plaque (tartar) from the teeth and below the gumline.
• Root Planing: Smooths the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach and heal.
• Local Anesthesia: May be used to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

Because deep cleanings target specific areas, they are billed per quadrant – one-fourth of your mouth. If you need all four quadrants cleaned, it typically requires two appointments. After the initial treatment, follow-up “periodontal maintenance” visits are often recommended every 3-4 months to prevent the disease from returning.

If gum disease is untreated, you may require gum surgery to clear a gum infection

Cost of Deep Cleaning Without Insurance

What You Can Expect to Pay for a deep clearing

If you’re uninsured, on average, a deep cleaning costs:

• $150-$350 per quadrant
• $600-$1,600+ for all four quadrants

The price you pay depends on a few important factors and understanding these can help you anticipate your final cost.

Why Prices Vary

Type of Provider: General dentists often charge less than periodontal specialists.

Geographic Location: Dental care in big cities or high-cost-of-living areas tends to be more expensive.

Severity of Disease: The deeper the pockets between your teeth and gums, the more time and effort the cleaning takes.

Additional Services: Local anesthesia, antibiotic therapy, and follow-up care can all increase your bill.

Paying Out of Pocket: Without insurance, you’ll be responsible for every step – exam, X-rays, anesthesia, cleaning, and follow-up visits.

Over time, a complete treatment plan – including initial cleaning and multiple maintenance visits – can cost several thousand dollars if you’re managing gum disease without any type of coverage.

Options for Managing Deep Cleaning Costs

Let’s look at two of the most common ways people reduce the cost of dental care: dental insurance and dental savings plans (DSPs).

Dental Insurance

Some dental insurance plans cover deep cleanings under what’s called “basic services.” Typically, these plans will pay around 70%-80% of the cost after you’ve met your deductible. Others classify periodontal treatment (advanced gum disease treatment) as a major treatment and cover it at 50%. Check policy statements to see how your plan covers deep cleanings.

80-50% coverage is great, but keep these issues in mind:

• Waiting Periods: Insurance may require you to wait 6-12 months before coverage kicks in for deep cleanings.
• Annual Maximums: Most plans have a coverage cap of $1,000-$1,500 per year.
• Deductibles: You’ll usually have to pay $50-$150 out of pocket before benefits begin.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Some plans won’t cover gum disease if you were already diagnosed before your coverage began.

Check with your dentist and insurance provider to see what restrictions may apply to your dental coverage.

Example insurance plans available through DentalPlans.com:

• Delta Dental PPO™ Individual Premium Plan: Covers an average of 50% of scaling and root planing after the deductible is met, with a $2,000 annual limit.
• Humana Complete Dental Insurance: Periodontal scaling and root planing (limit 1 per quadrant every 3 years) – no waiting period. Annual limit $1,250 year 1, $1,500 year 2 and after.

When dental insurance is a good fit:

• You already have coverage.
• You don’t need immediate treatment (if there is a required waiting period).
• You primarily want coverage for preventive care (cleanings, checkups, basic x-rays).

Dental Savings Plans

If you don’t want to wait and prefer not to worry about annual spending limits or other limitations, a dental savings plan may be the better fit. Dental savings plans are not insurance – they’re discount membership programs that give you access to reduced rates on virtually all dental care at a wide network of participating dentists, with no deductibles, annual spending limits or waiting periods.

Here’s how they work:

• You pay an annual membership fee (usually $100-$200).
• You get instant discounts (typically 20%-50%) on dental services, including deep cleanings.
• There’s no paperwork or approvals, just pay the discounted rate directly to the dentist.

Popular dental savings plans on DentalPlans.com include:

• Careington 500 Series: Save 20%-60% on most dental procedures, including scaling and root planing (60%).
• Aetna Vital Savings: Offers 15%-50% discounts at participating providers, 42% off deep cleanings.
• CignaPlus Savings: Offers an average of 37% savings on all included dental services,62% off the typical cost of deep cleanings.

When a dental savings plan makes sense:

• You’re uninsured and need treatment fast.
• You’ve been denied full coverage for gum disease treatment under traditional insurance.
• You don’t want to worry about annual spending limits.

Choosing the Right Option

Deep cleanings are an essential part of treating gum disease – but they can also be a major expense, especially if you’re uninsured. With prices ranging from $600 to over $1,600 for full-mouth treatment, it’s important to explore your options before committing to care.

The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Dental insurance might work well if you already have coverage or can afford to wait. Dental savings plans are a great option if you need treatment now and don’t want to deal with deductibles, spending limits or waiting periods.

For a quick look at how much you can save on deep cleanings and other dental treatments with a dental savings plan, use the calculator below.

Disclaimer: Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.