3 Things To Know About Dental Cleanings

When it comes to dental care, there's more to it than brushing and flossing. Regular visits to the dentist for dental cleanings are also a must. While brushing and flossing are essential for healthy teeth and gums, they don't always remove all of the plaque that can accumulate on the teeth. Dental cleanings remove the plaque left behind even after daily dental care. These cleanings can prevent tooth decay and keep your mouth healthy for years to come. Here are three things that you should know about dental cleanings.

How Often They Are Needed

The first thing that you should know about dental cleanings is how often they are needed. What you should know is that how often you need a dental cleaning may differ from how often others do. Some people require more frequent cleanings than others. Things like being susceptible to dental decay and certain medical conditions may have an impact on how often dental cleanings are recommended. On average, twice-yearly cleanings are sufficient for most, but you may find that you need a cleaning only once per year or more often depending on your particular needs. 

The Cost

Another thing to consider is that the cost of dental cleanings varies depending on your dentist and whether or not you have health insurance. On average, most pay between $75 and $200 for a teeth cleaning. If x-rays are needed, that can add an additional $100 to $300 to the total cost. Since cleanings are preventative care, most dental insurance policies cover at least a portion of the cost and often cover the full cost. Before going to the dentist, it's important to look at your dental insurance policy in order to see if it covers the cost.

Deep Cleaning May Be Required

If you have a lot of plaque and are showing signs of gum disease, a deep cleaning may be required. With a deep cleaning, also referred to as scaling, plaque and tartar are removed from exposed tooth roots and along the gum line in order to prevent gum disease or gingivitis. The cost of this deep cleaning procedure can vary depending on your dentist. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $140 and $300 per quadrant. 

Dental cleanings are a must for healthy teeth and gums. There are a few things that you should know about teeth cleaning. First, while twice-yearly cleanings are recommended, you may need them more or less often depending on your teeth. Costs can vary, but most cleanings cost between $75 and $200. Deep cleaning may also be required if you are showing signs of gum disease. Contact companies like the Family Dentistry of Woodstock to learn more.