How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Dental teeth cleaning is very economical in comparison to the consequences of not having your teeth cleaned. Teeth cleaning is both necessary and extremely important. The process itself and the range of costs depend on the amount of time and work in conjunction with the dental examination. Those costs can be reduced by having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis.
Why Go Through the Teeth Cleaning Process
Each of us, as humans, have millions of bacteria in our mouths every hour of every day. Some bacteria are naturally required to initiate the process of extracting the nutrients from the food we eat. If these bacteria are allowed to collect and build up it forms a clear sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth called plaque. The acids found in the plaque immediately attack the hard enamel of the tooth resulting in a cavity. If the plaque shifts down the tooth and encounters soft gum tissue it will also immediately result in an infection causing gum disease. Prevention of plaque buildup is why it is so important to keep your teeth clean. It is a natural and vicious cycle that will not change or go away.
The Teeth Cleaning Process
The health industry strongly recommends that we brush our teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Be patient, take your time, and do a thorough job. They also strongly suggest complementing that effort by flossing your teeth at least once a day. These daily oral hygiene habits will go a long way in establishing preventative efforts and making your professional teeth cleaning quicker and more economical.
The health industry also recommends that you have two dental exams a year. By simply doing this you are proactive in the care of your teeth and gums and your dentist can build a history of your oral hygiene and monitor any changes. The first thing that will often be done during the exam is taking some x-rays. This allows your dentist to identify what is going on below the gum line. Next the soft tissue of your cheeks, gums, tongue, and palate are examined for any signs of oral cancer. A small hand-held tool will be used to probe for any cavities. After this exam has been completed the teeth cleaning will begin. Your dentist will use either a hand-held device called a scaler, or an ultrasonic piece, to remove the plaque on your teeth. The results are visually pleasing. Your teeth will look whiter and feel smoother. Your gums will be checked for any sign of infection and then the teeth will be polished.
The Cost of Teeth Cleaning
Depending on the intensity of the steps mentioned above, teeth cleaning can range from $75 to $200. The geographic location of your dental office can also have an impact on costs. The Midwest versus either coast as well as the local rates. X-rays will also be an additional cost. A comfortable national average for a thorough dental exam runs right around $200. If the plaque has come in contact with the gums, then deeper scaling will be necessary, and this will increase the costs.