Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Expect to pay $80-$475 for deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) at a typical dental office, or $78-$120 through discount programs and dental schools.
Deep cleaning treats gum disease by removing plaque and tartar below the gumline and smoothing root surfaces.
Sources: CDT benchmark database, state Medicaid fee schedules, and providers’ published rates. Re-verified monthly. Nothing on this page is a quote.
Typical Price Range
$80-$475
Based on CDT code database
Discount Programs & Dental Schools
$78-$120
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated ranges based on dental_cdt_prices database (127 CDT codes), ADA fee surveys, FAIR Health. Actual prices vary by location, dentist, and complexity. Always verify pricing before scheduling.
Detailed Price Comparison by CDT Code
Prices from 4 related CDT codes in our database.
| CDT Code | Procedure | Cash Price | Insurer Allowed* | Dental School | FQHC Range | Medicaid (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D4910 | Periodontal Maintenance | $80-$300 | $135-$210 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D4342 | Scaling and Root Planing - Per Quadrant (1-3 teeth) | $90-$340 | $150-$240 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D4355 | Full Mouth Debridement | $90-$350 | $155-$245 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D4341 | Scaling and Root Planing - Per Quadrant (4+ teeth) | $130-$475 | $215-$335 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
*Estimated range insurers typically allow for this procedure (50th-80th percentile), modeled from published fee-survey data. Individual plan rates vary. Medicaid rates come from published state fee schedules and generally apply only to enrolled Medicaid members at participating providers.
Paying With Insurance vs. Paying Cash
Dental insurance works differently from medical insurance. Knowing how plans actually pay for deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) helps you pick the cheaper route.
If you have insurance
Insurer-allowed amount*
Your plan negotiates the fee down to the allowed amount, then typically pays 50-80% of basic work and 50% of major work, until you hit your annual maximum (usually $1,000-$2,000). You pay the rest.
If you pay cash
Negotiable cash price
Many offices discount 10-30% for payment in full at time of service, but you have to ask. Dental schools and FQHC clinics go lower. No waiting periods, no annual maximum.
Third option
Dental savings plan
Not insurance: an annual fee ($80-$200) buys access to pre-negotiated discounts of 15-40% at network dentists. No waiting periods or maximums, often the best fit for major work.
Rule of thumb: for cleanings and checkups, cash is often cheaper than carrying a plan. For a single big procedure, a plan’s $1,000-$2,000 annual maximum usually covers only part of the bill. Compare the insurer-allowed column against a negotiated cash or dental-school price before assuming insurance wins. Watch for 6-12 month waiting periods on new plans.
What's Included
- Local Anesthesia
- Scaling Below Gumline
- Root Planing
- Follow-up Evaluation
Recovery Time
1-2 days gum tenderness
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) FAQs
How much does a deep cleaning cost without insurance?
Scaling and root planing costs $130-$475 per quadrant (quarter of your mouth) for 4+ teeth, or $90-$340 for 1-3 teeth. A full-mouth deep cleaning (all four quadrants) costs $360-$1,900. Full-mouth debridement, a lighter version, costs $90-$350.
Do I really need a deep cleaning or is it upselling?
A legitimate deep cleaning requires documented gum pocket depths of 4mm or more and X-ray evidence of tartar below the gumline. Ask to see your pocket-depth chart. If most readings are 1-3mm, a regular cleaning is usually sufficient. Getting a second opinion before agreeing is reasonable.
Does insurance cover deep cleanings?
Most dental insurance covers scaling and root planing at 50-80% as a basic-to-major procedure, often limited to once per quadrant every 24 months. Periodontal maintenance cleanings afterward ($80-$300 every 3-4 months) are also usually covered at a lower rate than standard cleanings.
Where to Get Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) for Less
Dental Schools
50-70% savings at 66 accredited schools
Community Clinics
Sliding-scale fees at FQHCs
Compare All Prices
CDT codes, Medicaid, discount plans
Plain-English answer: how to negotiate a dental bill
Step-by-step playbook with JAMA 2023 success rates and IRS 501(r) charity-care rules.