Maintaining good oral health is essential in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. It helps keep your teeth strong as you age and has also been proven to help maintain overall physical and emotional well-being. One of the best things you can do to maintain good oral health is to have routine visits to the dentist or dental hygienist for professional dental cleaning.
Experts recommend that you book an appointment every six months. A large number of Canadians, however, skip dental visits or recommended procedures due to cost. Some people don’t want to spend money on a cleaning they can “do at home” with a brush.
Others think the procedure is too expensive if you don’t have dental insurance.
They avoid visiting the dentist for years as their dental issues become increasingly severe. Most of these people, however, lack the correct information about dental cleaning. In this guide, we will dissect the topic to give a clear understanding of how much dental cleaning costs in Ontario. Keep reading.
Key take aways,
- Average Costs: Routine dental cleanings in Ontario typically cost $150-$250 without insurance.
- Types of Cleanings: Regular preventive cleaning, deep cleaning, and periodontal maintenance are available at different price points.
- Insurance Coverage: Most dental plans cover preventive cleanings at 80-100% twice yearly.
- Canadian Dental Care Plan: Government program for eligible Canadians without dental insurance.
- Cost Comparison: Regular prevention ($400-$800/year) versus advanced treatments ($2,000-$10,000+).
- The Dental Team Advantage: Multiple Ontario locations offering tailored treatment plans for all budgets.
The Average Cost of Dental Cleaning in Ontario
Wondering how much your dental cleaning will cost you? Routine dental cleanings will generally cost between $150 and $250. The total fees, however, will defer from patients and dentists. Many factors determine how much you pay for dental cleaning.
Canadian Dental Care Plan and Eligibility
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provides coverage for eligible Canadians without access to dental insurance. The program began accepting applications in December 2023 and is being rolled out in phases.
Insurance Coverage Percentages
Most private dental insurance plans in Ontario follow a typical coverage structure:
- Preventive care (cleanings, exams): 80-100% coverage
- Basic procedures (fillings, extractions): 70-80% coverage
- Major procedures (crowns, bridges): 50% coverage
- Orthodontics: Often 50% coverage with lifetime maximum
Most plans include:
- Annual maximums between $1,000-$2,000
- Deductibles ranging from $25-$100
- Two covered cleanings per year
- One set of bitewing x-rays annually
Some employers offer enhanced plans with higher coverage percentages and maximums.
Cost Comparison: Prevention vs. Treatment
Investing in regular dental cleanings is significantly more economical than treating advanced dental problems:
| Preventive Care | Cost | Advanced Problem | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular cleaning | $150-$250 | Root canal + crown | $2,000-$3,000 |
| Dental exam | $50-$150 | Gum disease treatment | $500-$10,000 |
| X-rays | $25-$150 | Tooth extraction + implant | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Fluoride treatment | $25-$50 | Full dentures | $1,500-$6,000 |
| Annual prevention cost | $400-$800 | Potential treatment costs | $2,000-$10,000+ |
Beyond cost savings, preventive care helps avoid pain, multiple appointments, and potential tooth loss.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Dental Cleaning
There’s no one-fits-all treatment in dental health – every patient has a unique treatment and associated costs. Here are common factors that your dentist will consider when determining their fees.
Time It Takes to Complete the Cleaning
The longer it takes the dentist to clean your teeth, the more you pay. Several factors affect the cleaning time, such as the number of your teeth. To clean an adult with 32 teeth, for example, a dentist will take an hour to an hour and a half in Ontario. The dentist will take less time to clean children or adults with fewer teeth and will therefore charge less.
Recommended Type of Dental Cleaning
Some dental cleaning procedures are more complex than others, making them more expensive. Your dentist may recommend one of these procedures depending on your case:
- Regular cleaning: Involves removal of shallow plaque and tartar buildup. The option is ideal if you have healthy gums and teeth, minimal gingivitis, and no signs of bone loss. This is the cheapest dental cleaning option.
- Deep cleaning: Deep cleaning is also referred to as scaling and planning. Scaling is when your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Root planing involves deeper digging with detailed cleaning of the root surface to smooth out rough areas.Deep cleaning is ideal if you have been diagnosed with gum disease. The cleaning is more costly than regular cleaning due to its complexity, which usually requires two or more visits. Each visit is an additional cost.
- Periodontal maintenance cleaning: This follows the same procedure as deep cleaning. The only difference is that periodontal maintenance cleanings are usually performed more often than deep cleaning.This is because periodontitis is progressive and gets worse if not effectively treated. The complexity and the multiple maintenance appointments make periodontal maintenance cleaning the most expensive option.
Dental cleanings may also require additional services, further raising the cost. Your cost will increase, for example, to somewhere between $50 and $100 if your cleaning requires X-rays.
ODA Fee Guides
The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is a dedicated team of dental volunteers and experts who advocate for public policies that affect the dental health sector. Many dental professionals in Ontario provide dental cleaning services consistent with the ODA’s Suggested Fee Guide. ODA’s fee guide is not final, however, and according to ODA, “Dentists are not required to follow the Guide or any fee schedule. They set their own fees.”
Does Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning in Ontario?
Most dental insurance policies in Ontario cover 100% of preventive dental cleanings twice a year. Dental insurance provides a great option to reduce out-of-pocket dental expenses. You will need to cover any dental cleaning costs done more than twice a year. These costs can vary, however, so be sure to discuss this with your insurer to review the policy coverage for better budgeting. The costs of a dental cleaning will differ from one patient to another, depending on their needs and the above variables. Consider the tips that follow to help reduce your dental costs.
Tips to Lower Cost of Dental Cleaning in Ontario
Spending too much on dental cleaning? Below are some tips to help you lower the costs of dental cleanings.
Government Benefits
A government program like the Canada Dental Benefit is a great way to save on dental bills. The program promises to give eligible families up-front, direct payments of up to $650 a year per eligible child under 12 for two years (up to $1,300) to support the costs of dental care services.
Regular Dental Cleaning
Treating periodontal gum is the most expensive form of dental cleaning. You can avoid gum disease by regularly going for dental cleaning and check-up.
Work with Professionals
The dentist you choose to work with determines how much you’ll spend on dental cleaning. Experienced dentists are conversant with dental costs, take less time to perform a dental cleaning, and perform the procedure efficiently to avoid escalation of your case. Dentists use their specialized skills and current technologies. They also advise their clients on the best affordable options available. Following these tips is a great place to start to help ensure you’re getting the best care at the best price.
Lower Your Cost of Dental Cleaning with The Dental Team
The Dental Team offers reliable dental cleaning services to revive your beautiful smile, confidence, and ability to chew food normally. We have multiple dental clinics across Ontario for easy access. Our team of experienced dentists will take the time to listen to your concerns and answer all your questions. We’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and budget. Contact your local The Dental Team office to set up an appointment.
Most dental professionals recommend professional cleanings every six months. This schedule prevents plaque buildup and helps catch dental issues early. Some patients need more frequent cleanings (every 3-4 months), including those with gum disease, rapid tartar buildup, diabetes, or smokers. The best approach is to follow your dentist’s personalized recommendation based on your specific oral health needs.
Without insurance, standard dental cleaning in Ontario typically costs $100-$200. A cleaning with examination and x-rays ranges from $200-$350. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) costs approximately $200-$400 per quadrant, potentially totaling $800-$1,600 for full mouth treatment. Prices vary by location, with urban centers generally charging more. Many dental offices offer payment plans for uninsured patients, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan may provide assistance for eligible individuals.
During a dental cleaning, your hygienist will examine your mouth, use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth with a special toothpaste, perform expert flossing, and often apply a fluoride treatment. Throughout the process, they’ll provide personalized oral hygiene tips. Your dentist typically performs a brief exam afterward to check for any concerns requiring attention.
Most patients experience little to no pain during routine dental cleanings. You may feel slight pressure or mild discomfort during tartar removal, especially with sensitive gums or significant buildup. For those with dental anxiety or sensitivity, offices often offer numbing gels or breaks during treatment. Deep cleanings can be more uncomfortable, but local anesthesia is typically used. Always communicate with your provider about any discomfort.
Most dental insurance plans in Ontario cover preventive cleanings at 80-100% for two visits annually. Basic plans typically cover two cleanings per year, while premium plans might cover three or four. Deep cleanings usually have different coverage rates (50-80%). Plans typically have annual maximums of $1,000-$2,000. For those without private insurance, the Canadian Dental Care Plan may provide coverage for eligible individuals and families.
A standard dental cleaning typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on plaque and tartar buildup. First-time visits often take longer (60-90 minutes) as they include comprehensive examination and documentation. Deep cleanings require more time and are usually scheduled in multiple appointments of 1-2 hours each. Duration also varies based on additional services performed during the same appointment.
