Deep Cleaning Teeth Cost: What to Expect in 2026
Quick Answer
Per quadrant: $150-$350
Full mouth (4 quadrants): $600-$1,400
With insurance (80% basic coverage after deductible): $120-$700 out of pocket for a full mouth.
What Deep Cleaning Actually Is
Deep cleaning is the common name for scaling and root planing, a periodontal treatment prescribed when gum disease (periodontitis) is present. Unlike a routine cleaning that cleans above and at the gumline, deep cleaning goes below the gumline into the periodontal pockets where bacteria have colonized.
Your hygienist or periodontist uses ultrasonic scalers and hand curettes to remove calculus (tartar) from the root surfaces, then smooths the roots (root planing) to make it harder for bacteria to reattach. Local anesthesia is standard because the instruments go below the gums.
Pocket depth is the key indicator:
- 1-3mm: Healthy. Routine cleaning (D1110).
- 4-5mm: Moderate disease. Deep cleaning prescribed.
- 6mm+: Severe disease. Deep cleaning required, possible referral to a periodontist.
Deep Cleaning Cost by Quadrant (ADA Codes D4341 and D4342)
| Quadrants Treated | ADA Code | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 quadrant | D4341 | $150 | $350 |
| 2 quadrants (half mouth) | D4341 x2 | $300 | $700 |
| 3 quadrants | D4341 x3 | $450 | $1050 |
| 4 quadrants (full mouth) | D4341 x4 | $600 | $1400 |
D4342 (1-3 teeth per quadrant) runs $100-$300 per quadrant. D4341 (4+ teeth) is the code for most full quadrant treatments.
Additional Costs Often Added to Deep Cleaning
Standard for deep cleaning. Sometimes included in the procedure fee.
Needed to assess bone loss levels before and after treatment.
Minocycline microspheres placed in pockets after scaling. Not always necessary.
6-8 weeks after deep cleaning to measure pocket improvement.
Full-mouth bone assessment. Usually done at diagnosis.
Antimicrobial rinse flushed into pockets. Optional add-on.
Typical Total Bill: $800-$2,200
Deep Cleaning vs Routine Cleaning
| Feature | Routine D1110 | Deep D4341 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning depth | Above gumline | Below gumline |
| Anesthesia | Not needed | Local anesthesia standard |
| Duration | 30-60 minutes | 60-120 min per visit (2 visits) |
| Cost | $75-$200 | $600-$1,400 full mouth |
| Insurance tier | Preventive (100%) | Basic (80%) |
| Frequency | Every 6 months | One-time treatment |
| After care | Continue as normal | Perio maintenance every 3-4 months |
Money Tip: Split Treatment Across Two Insurance Years
Most dental insurance plans have an annual maximum (typically $1,000-$2,000). If your deep cleaning exceeds your remaining 2026 benefit, ask your dentist to treat 2 quadrants in December 2026 and 2 quadrants in January 2027. This resets your annual maximum and can cut your out-of-pocket cost significantly.