How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Teeth are with us throughout our lives. With this in mind, it is natural to think that they need care and maintenance. Dental cleaning and regular dentist appointments represent exactly that.
A regular dentist appointment’s role is preventive, therefore acting to prevent certain problems from occurring. One of the most important aspects of regular dental visits is the teeth cleaning that they will do.
Benefits of dental cleaning
The benefits of dental cleaning are numerous. Many people believe that this procedure is only for aesthetic reasons since it naturally makes teeth cleaner and whiter. But it can also be used to:
- Prevent the formation of bacterial plaque;
- Helps maintain healthier breath;
- Contributes to a more beautiful smile;
- Reduces the risk and appearance of cavities.
It is important to emphasize here that dental cleaning must be combined with a care routine, such as frequent visits to the dentist and, of course, good oral hygiene at home.
How is dental cleaning done?
For those who don't usually go to the dentist, talking about dental cleaning may seem like something very complex and even scary. However, the procedure is very simple, safe, and most of the time painless. It generally consists of 4 steps.
-
Tartar removal:
Tartar is represented by a plaque – yellowish, brown or black in color – that covers part of the teeth, especially close to the root. It cannot be removed by brushing because it is very resistant.
-
Refinement:
Next it's time to do the refinement. Now the dentist needs to remove the thinner plaque that remains stuck to the surface of the teeth. To do this, a manual procedure will be performed. The dentist uses a device called a curette, which resembles a spatula. With it, he goes directly to the spots that have tartar and removes it manually. This procedure is popularly known as “scraping”.
-
Polishing:
The third step involves polishing. The dentist will polish each tooth to give it a more beautiful and uniform appearance. But the purpose is not just aesthetic. Teeth that have cavities or irregular surfaces tend to accumulate bacteria more easily, which lodge in these “holes”. As a result, the appearance of plaque or tartar is much more frequent. Polishing attempts to prevent this by reducing the spaces where these bacteria can lodge. To do this, the dentist uses brushes or rubber cups.
-
Application of fluoride:
Finally, it's time to apply fluoride. This is a sanitizing liquid that prevents cavities, helps with good breath, and restores minerals, making teeth healthier and stronger.
How much does this procedure cost?
People who are afraid of going to the dentist tend to put off going to the dentist even though they know how important it is because they are worried about the cost. For a regular dental cleaning, you can expect to pay $80-$175, depending on where you live. If you need a deeper cleaning, it can cost up to $500, again, depending on where you are in the country and the condition of your mouth.
In conclusion
Teeth cleaning is important, and we implore you not to put off this procedure, even if you are worried about cost. Contact us today to make an appointment and to talk about cost and payment options!