Getting a dental cleaning twice a year is an important part of oral hygiene. Regular preventive dental care , such as professional dental cleanings from a hygienist or dentist, can help you prevent bigger health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay .
But How Much Does a Teeth Cleaning Cost in Panama? Read on to learn about the costs of a routine dental cleaning and what to expect during the procedure.
What does a dental deep cleaning cost?
If you have certain medical conditions like diabetes, you might need to have deep cleanings of your teeth done frequently. Or, if you haven’t had a dental cleaning in a long time, you might need a deep cleaning. A deep dental cleaning is referred to by dentists as “scaling and root planing.” Scaling and root planing is also something that your dentist might recommend if you have gingivitis, as the procedure helps get rid of the bacteria that can typically make gingivitis worse.
Dental deep cleaning costs are typically higher than the cost of a regular cleaning. When you have a regular dental cleaning done, it can be done in one visit that usually takes less than an hour. But scaling and planing can take two or more visits. That’s because your mouth is divided into four quadrants, and usually the dental technician will clean just one or two quadrants per visit. Because it’s a more in-depth cleaning, each visit can take an hour or longer. Spreading out the cleaning over several appointments will likely give your gums time to heal between visits and give you a break from being in the dental chair.
Because scaling and planing is a typically more invasive and time-consuming procedure than a regular cleaning, it may cost more than a regular cleaning.
While a regular dental cleaning without insurance can cost since $100 or more, a scaling and planing procedure, depending on many factors such as the dentist performing the cleaning or your state of residence, can cost approximately $200 or more per quadrant, meaning that the entire procedure could cost more than $1,000 out of pocket. Dental insurance may cover all costs of scaling and planing or a portion of the cost, depending on your plan.
What happens at a regular cleaning session?
Now that you understand the costs associated with professional teeth cleaning, let’s talk about what you can expect from a regular cleaning session and how long a cleaning takes. The American Dental Association recommends that you should go for at least two teeth cleaning sessions per year, six months apart. In fact, those with gum disease or an increased risk for gum disease (bleeding and receding gums with bone loss) should go for four teeth cleanings per year, three months apart. Either way, what can you expect from the dental cleaning session?
During the teeth cleaning session, the dental hygienist or dentist will examine your teeth and gum line using a mirror. They’ll look for plaque, tartar, and other signs of gum disease and dental problems. Some people suffer from mild gum recession or bleeding gums due to plaque buildup under the gum line. If that’s the case, the dentist may need to provide root planing — that’s what distinguishes a “deep” cleaning from regular teeth cleaning. During the deep cleaning procedure, the dentist will use a scaler device to remove any accumulated plaque and tartar underneath the gums. They will then smooth each tooth’s root surface to allow the gums to reattach to your teeth, tightening the space between the gums and teeth.
If you do not need a deep cleaning, the hygienist or dentist will proceed to a routine regular cleaning. They use the same scaler device to remove the accumulated plaque and tartar, but only on the tooth surface and not under the gums as with a deep cleaning. They thoroughly scrub your teeth surfaces to remove all remaining traces of plaque.
Afterwards, they polish your teeth using a gritty polishing paste. After the polish, the dentist or dental hygienist flosses between your teeth to ensure there’s nothing stuck in the deeper recesses of your teeth and mouth.
Finally, the dentist will move on to the fluoride treatment. The dentist will apply a fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth and ask you to not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes. Once you remove the mouthpiece, your teeth will be perfectly polished. The fluoride gel protects your teeth from bacterial decay for the next couple of months. It should keep your teeth healthy until your next dental cleaning session. The entire procedure should conclude within 30 minutes.
How to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment near me?
DentalOne is one of the most reputable dental clinics for teeth cleaning and preventative dental services in Panama City.
Factors that Affect the Price of Teeth Cleaning
Several factors can influence the cost of teeth cleaning, including:
Location: Teeth cleaning prices can vary greatly depending on where you live. For example, teeth cleaning in a major metropolitan area may be more expensive than in a rural area.
Dentist’s Experience: More experienced dentists tend to charge higher prices for their services, as they have a reputation for delivering high-quality results.
Type of cleaning Needed: The cost of teeth cleaning can also depend on the type of cleaning needed. For example, standard cleaning is typically less expensive than deep cleaning, which involves scaling and root planing.
Dental Insurance: If you have dental insurance, the cost of your teeth cleaning may be partially covered. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine the exact coverage and costs.
If you have more questions about How Much Does a Teeth Cleaning Cost in Panama?, contact us.
