Investing in your health is always a smart decision.
Some might overlook the importance of routine dental visits, but staying consistent with routine cleanings and exams is a simple and effective way to keep your smile bright and healthy.
With that said, we can’t overlook the overall cost of these preventive care visits.
In Calgary, the average cost of a dental cleaning can range from approximately $150 to $300 per visit, based on factors such as:
- Overall time
- Additional treatments
- Specific needs
- Location
You should never feel in the dark about your dental care costs. Our team is happy to walk you through this process.
Defining a Dental Cleaning
Everyone benefits from dental cleanings, even people with pristine oral hygiene routines. Regular brushing and flossing are great ways to remove leftover food, bacteria, and plaque after a long day, but the bristles of your brush and floss thread can’t completely target tight spaces.
That’s where a professional dental cleaning comes in.
A dental hygienist thoroughly removes plaque and tartar buildup that at-home brushing and flossing cannot handle. These cleanings include scaling (to remove tartar), polishing (to make teeth smooth and shiny), and can also involve fluoride treatments depending on your needs.
We recommend a routine dental cleaning (and exam, where the dentist evaluates your teeth and gums) every 6 months to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other concerns, and help keep your smile bright, fresh, and healthy.
How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?
There is no exact answer to this question, as dental cleaning costs can vary based on several factors. The average cost for a standard cleaning in Calgary can range between approximately $150 to $300 per visit.
Professional cleaning prices are based on time, with most cleanings lasting an hour. For example:
- Routine cleaning: (30-60 minutes): approximately $150–$200
- Extensive cleaning for heavy tartar: $250–$300+
- Polishing and scaling packages: Often included in your overall cost
Many dental clinics in Alberta, including Country Hills Dental, base their pricing on the Alberta Dental Association and College’s (ADA&C) fee guide. Fee transparency is a measure to make sure patients receive fair and consistent pricing throughout the process.
What Drives the Cost of Dental Cleanings?
One reason dental clinics don’t have a universal fee for their services is that several factors influence the cost of your visit.
Here’s a closer look at what they are and why they matter:
The Length of the Cleaning
Since cleaning costs are based on time, the more tartar or plaque buildup you have, the longer the cleaning will take. This may increase the overall cost of a visit.
If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, it’s likely you’ll be spending more time in the exam chair than you initially thought. Staying regular with oral hygiene and routine check-ups can help lower the cost.
Additional Treatments
A standard dental cleaning includes the initial exam, scaling, and polishing, and possible xrays. Extra treatments such as fluoride applications or gum therapy can add to the cost.
Dental Expertise
Your dental team invests time and energy into their education, ongoing learning seminars, and even specializations.
Many teams take advantage of modern technology (digital scans, diagnostic imaging tools, etc.) for comprehensive evaluations and precise measurements. Though the overall cost reflects these services, these tools align with the quality of care they provide.
Specific Needs
Every person is unique, and so is their smile. Case by case, even standard procedures, like dental cleanings, will vary ever so slightly between patients’ age, concerns, comfort, and overall health.
Children, for instance, often require shorter cleanings, which can cost less. Meanwhile, older adults generally benefit from extensive cleanings to address their complex oral care needs.
The Role of Dental Insurance in Overall Cost
The biggest concern some people may have is how much the out-of-pocket cost for their cleaning might be. The good news is that many dental insurance plans cover the partial cost of cleanings, especially routine services performed twice a year. Your level of coverage depends on the type of insurance your employer has chosen with the insurance company.
Here’s what you should know:
- Preventive care cover: Most insurance providers cover 80–100% of basic services like dental cleanings and exams.
- Annual limits: Many plans have a yearly limit (e.g., $1,000–$2,000). If you require major dental treatments within the same period, it may eat into this allowance.
- Claim process: Many clinics, like our own, handle direct billing, making the process much more seamless.
With that said, the details of everyone’s insurance plan vary. We strongly encourage you to connect with your insurance provider for more details, so that you don’t run into any surprises on the day of your visit.
A Smile That’s Worth Every Cent
Investing in preventive care, such as dental cleanings and exams, is an effective way to keep your smile healthy. Staying on top of routine visits means your dentist can identify problems early, before they snowball into more complex and expensive concerns.
Although dental cleaning costs can vary, one thing is for certain: our Country Hills Dental team is here to provide the quality care you deserve.
If you’re ready to schedule your next cleaning, connect with our team. We’re happy to go over any questions you may have about pricing or treatment options to help you feel at ease.
