Periodontics · Deep Cleaning · National Cost

How much does a deep cleaning cost?

Average Deep Cleaning cost in the US: $220-$570

🏥 Based on ADA fee survey data
📊 Population-weighted national average
🔄 Updated May 2026
✓ Reviewed by Pearl clinical team
$220 – $570

Typical Deep Cleaning range across the United States

📍 All 50 states covered 🏥 PPO typically covers up to ortho max

National average

$335

Deep Cleaning · D4341

What is this procedure?

About this procedure

A deep cleaning — clinically called scaling and root planing (SRP) — is a periodontal treatment for patients with early to moderate gum disease. The hygienist or periodontist removes hardened plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach to the teeth. Deep cleaning is different from a routine prophylaxis (the regular cleaning you get every 6 months). It's billed per quadrant — the mouth is divided into four sections, and most patients with gum disease need treatment in two or four quadrants.

Depending on severity, deep cleaning is typically performed over 1–2 visits, often with local anesthesia. After the deep cleaning, patients usually move to ongoing periodontal maintenance (a separate procedure billed at a higher rate than a prophylaxis) every 3–4 months.

Price factors

What affects this cost?

  • Number of quadrants: Billed per quadrant — full-mouth (four quadrants) costs roughly 4× a single quadrant.
  • Severity: Mild gum disease (1–3 mm pockets) takes less time and effort than advanced cases (6+ mm pockets).
  • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or topical numbing is usually included; some practices charge separately for it.
  • Hygienist vs. periodontist: Periodontists typically charge more than general-practice hygienists, especially for advanced cases.
  • Antibiotic placement: Localized antibiotics in deep pockets (Arestin) are sometimes added, separately billed per site.

By state

Where does this cost the most and least?

Pearl tracks pricing across all 50 states. Below are the highest and lowest cost markets — click any state for a full state-level cost breakdown across covered cities.

Highest cost states

Lowest cost states

Quote checker

What should your quote include?

Different providers bundle costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.

USUALLY INCLUDED IN THE QUOTED PRICE

  • Local anesthesia or topical numbing
  • Scaling (plaque/tartar removal) above and below the gumline
  • Root planing (smoothing of root surfaces)
  • Post-op instructions
  • Follow-up appointment to assess healing

OFTEN BILLED SEPARATELY — ASK BEFORE YOU AGREE

  • Routine prophylaxis (regular cleaning)
  • Localized antibiotic placement (Arestin) — separately billed per site
  • Periodontal surgery if non-surgical treatment fails
  • Future periodontal maintenance visits
  • Bone or gum grafts if needed

Health stakes

What happens if you delay treatment?

  • Untreated gum disease leads to bone loss around teeth
  • Bone loss leads to tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss
  • Gum disease has been linked to systemic health issues (heart disease, diabetes complications)
  • Once bone is lost, it doesn't grow back without a graft
  • Treatment becomes more expensive and less effective the more advanced the disease

Before you agree

Questions to ask your provider

  • How severe is my gum disease, in real terms (pocket depths, bone loss)?
  • How many quadrants need treatment, and what's the per-quadrant fee?
  • Is local anesthesia included?
  • What's my follow-up plan — periodontal maintenance, surgery, or watch-and-wait?
  • Should I see a periodontist for this?

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is preventive care for healthy or near-healthy gums and removes plaque/tartar from above the gumline. A deep cleaning is a periodontal treatment for active gum disease, removing buildup from below the gumline and smoothing the roots. They are billed at very different rates and require different amounts of time.
Most PPO plans cover scaling and root planing at 50–80% after the deductible, when periodontal disease is documented (pocket depths, bone loss on x-rays). Some plans require pre-authorization.
Gum disease can develop without obvious symptoms — bleeding gums, mild redness, and bad breath are common but easy to dismiss. If your dentist sees deeper pockets or bone loss on x-rays, a deep cleaning is the standard treatment. If you're surprised by the recommendation, a second opinion is reasonable, especially before committing.
Most patients have some gum tenderness for a few days after each session. Sticking to soft foods and a saltwater rinse helps. Full healing of the gum tissue takes 4–6 weeks.
After the initial scaling and root planing, you'll typically move to periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months — a more thorough cleaning than a routine prophylaxis but less involved than another deep cleaning. Most periodontal patients stay on maintenance for life.

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Compare what this costs in your city.

Pearl's cost data covers 485 U.S. cities. Search by procedure and zip — get a localized fee range and what to expect from your insurance.

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