Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Campbell, CA

How much does a dental checkup and cleaning cost without insurance?

The average cost of a checkup and cleaning in the US is $200, though expenses can vary depending on whether you’re getting an X-ray during your visit, fluoride, a deep cleaning, etc.

We understand that this kind of cost can be prohibitive for some. If you don’t have dental insurance, you may be interested in CareCredit financing. Thanks to our partnership with this reputable third-party financier, we can offer patients monthly payment plans that start at little to no interest. A $200 bill, for example, could be broken down into roughly $34 every month for six months.

Something else to consider is that regular checkups and cleanings can help you avoid more complex (and costly) treatments like gum disease therapy, crowns, or dental bridges. Studies show that one of the best preventive strategies is to visit your dentist every six months for routine care!

What’s the difference between a regular dental cleaning and a deep cleaning?

Scaling and root planing treatments are sometimes referred to as “deep cleanings,” though technically speaking, there’s a bit more to it than that.

A “regular cleaning” is what you would likely receive if you visit the dentist regularly. A hygienist will clean surface level plaque and tartar from your teeth, often without needing to use local anesthesia or numbing gel.

In dental terminology, there are two types of cleanings you can think of as a “step above” a regular cleaning: debridement and scaling and root planing.

A debridement cleaning simply involves more time and effort than a regular cleaning, and is typically recommended when a patient has more plaque and tartar buildup than usual.

If a patient reaches a point where they need a scaling and root planing, they likely have mild to moderate gum disease. The goal with scaling and root planing is to eliminate harmful bacteria above and below the gumline.

While you can think of both debridement and scaling and root planing as two types of deep cleaning, they’re technically two different treatments.

Why do dentists recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleanings?

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral known to help strengthen dental enamel – the outermost layer of a tooth’s structure. Basically, it’s an effective anti-cavity agent with little to no side-effects.

Children who haven’t quite learned how to take care of their teeth yet benefit greatly from fluoride treatments, as it gives their growing smiles a preventive boost. But fluoride can be good for adults, too! Whether you have a medical condition that makes you more prone to cavities or gum disease or simply would like to give your teeth more cavity-busting power, regular fluoride treatments can certainly help.

What should I expect if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?

You can reasonably expect the cleaning portion of your appointment to take a bit longer than it normally would. There are some forms of plaque that at-home oral hygiene can’t get rid of, so even if you’ve been brushing twice a day, you’ll likely have some buildup that will need to be taken care of with a debridement.

We may also recommend that you get a dental X-ray, though this will depend on when you last got one.

Many patients who haven’t visited the dentist for multiple years typically (but certainly not always) make an appointment because they’re concerned about a specific symptom. Before examining your teeth, Dr. Ho will ask what brought you in to the office. If there’s something specific you’d like to address, she’ll pay close attention to the issue and consider it thoroughly. If you’d simply like to improve your oral health habits, she’ll happily give you personalized recommendations.

Whatever your circumstance, our team won’t judge you! We understand that sometimes taking care of your smile is easier said than done. Ultimately, our goal is to help you – not lecture you.