Nothing really matches that feeling after a good teeth cleaning. Your breath feels lighter, your smile looks brighter, and there’s that quiet lift in confidence that follows. Still, most people can relate to the bit of anxiety it brings, whether about the procedure, the aftercare, how much it might hurt, or what it’ll cost.
Having all the facts in one place can make that decision easier. So this guide brings together the most looked-after facts and answers to the questions you might have before your next appointment.
What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
This cleaning process involves the expertise of a dentist or dental hygienist, who removes built-up plaque and tartar from the teeth, gums, and areas beneath the gumline using specialized teeth cleaning tools. These tools are often a mix of hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler that gently vibrates to break apart hardened deposits.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year helps maintain healthy gums, prevents cavities, and keeps your smile looking its best. Even with daily brushing and flossing, some areas, especially around the gumline and between teeth, are difficult to clean thoroughly at home.
Teeth Cleaning Cost Without Insurance
The most asked question we’ve seen is how much teeth cleaning without insurance? And precisely, it depends on where you live, the condition of your gums, and whether you need a routine cleaning or a deeper one. For most people in Calgary, a standard professional cleaning costs between $100 and $200, while a deep teeth cleaning (scaling and root planing) can range from $600 to $1,200 for the full mouth.
Dental clinics in Alberta usually follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which sets suggested prices for dental procedures. While not mandatory, many clinics base their fees on it to keep pricing consistent and transparent.
Under this guide, scaling is billed per unit of time, usually around $83.50 per 15 minutes. So, if your cleaning takes about an hour, you can expect the cost to be around $330 to $350.
Deep cleanings cost more because they take longer and require local anesthetic to clean under the gumline. They’re often split into two visits, one side of the mouth at a time.
What If I Don’t Have Insurance?
Well, here are a few ways to manage the cost if you don’t currently have the insurance:
- Ask for a detailed quote before the appointment. Most clinics can estimate based on your last visit or your current gum condition.
- Check for promotions or new-patient offers. Some dental offices in Calgary offer discounted cleanings to first-time patients.
- Prioritize prevention. Staying consistent with twice-yearly cleanings often saves you from costly deep cleanings or periodontal treatments later on.
- It’s worth remembering that professional cleaning is far more than a cosmetic procedure that protects you from much higher dental bills down the road.
What Is Deep Cleaning and When You Need It
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more detailed version of a regular dental cleaning. It’s usually recommended when there’s buildup below the gumline or early signs of gum disease.
During this procedure, your dentist follows the same steps as a regular cleaning but goes a little deeper, like on the roots underneath your gums, where harmful bacteria and tartar tend to collect.
Here’s how it typically works:
- A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area so you stay comfortable throughout.
- Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using ultrasonic and hand instruments.
- Root planing smooths the root surfaces, making it harder for new bacteria to attach and easier for the gums to heal.
Depending on how much buildup there is, the procedure follows a total of 2 visits. Each session usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
You might notice some mild soreness, sensitivity, or bleeding afterward. That’s normal and typically settles within a few days.
It’s also common to feel that your teeth have gaps after a deep cleaning session. But in reality, it’s just swelling around your gums going down, which makes teeth feel more defined.
Does Teeth Cleaning Hurt? Pain, Sensitivity, and Discomfort Explained
There’s a mixed opinion when it comes to the experience of teeth cleaning. Most might define it as dreadful, while for many it’s just a little uncomfortable. However, the level of pain depends on the condition of your gums and how professionally the procedure is done.
For a routine cleaning, you’ll likely feel nothing more than slight pressure or scraping as the hygienist removes plaque and tartar. The ultrasonic cleaner can sometimes cause a tingling feeling or sensitivity to cold water, but it’s temporary.
If you’re having a deep cleaning, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. You’ll feel vibration and movement but no pain during the procedure. Though it’s common for your gums to feel a little sore or tender for a few days afterwards.
Here’s what you might notice:
- Mild soreness or gum sensitivity for 1–3 days
- Slight bleeding when brushing the next few times
- Heightened tooth sensitivity, especially to cold or hot drinks
But remember that short-term discomfort from cleaning is far less than the pain and cost of treating advanced gum disease later.
Aftercare & How to Relieve Pain After Teeth Cleaning
We can’t ignore the pain and discomfort that come with teeth cleaning or any dental procedures. But these few tips can still help you manage at least a bit of it to function better:
1. Rinse with warm salt water
Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water (not hot) and rinse gently two to three times a day to reduce inflammation.
2. Stick to soft foods for a day
After teeth cleaning, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods like nuts, chips, or candy, and prioritize soft foods like soups, yogurt, eggs, and smoothies. If you had a deep cleaning, it’s best to give your mouth 24 hours before returning to a normal diet.
3. Avoid very hot or cold drinks
Your teeth may be slightly sensitive right after cleaning. Skip extreme temperatures for a day to avoid discomfort.
4. Brush gently, but don’t skip it
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush lightly. However, it’s better to wait at least 30 minutes to 2 hours after treatment before brushing, especially if you’ve had a fluoride application or your gums feel tender.
5. Skip alcohol and tobacco for a few days
Both can irritate the gums and slow down recovery. Give your mouth some time to settle before reintroducing them.
6. Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed
If your gums are sore after a deep cleaning, mild pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Always follow the recommended dosage or ask your dentist if you’re unsure.
7. Stay consistent with dental visits
Regular cleanings prevent heavy tartar buildup and make future visits much easier and more comfortable.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
Dentists often recommend getting your teeth cleaned twice a year, or roughly every six months. That works well for most people because plaque builds up naturally over time, no matter how well you brush or floss.
However, how often you should get a cleaning can depend on your oral health and hygiene habits. Some people benefit from more frequent visits every three to four months, especially if they:
- Have a history of gum disease
- Smoke or use tobacco
- Have diabetes or other health conditions linked to gum issues
- Wear braces or other dental appliances that trap food and plaque
- Consume a lot of coffee, tea, or acidic drinks that can stain or wear down enamel
If your gums tend to bleed easily, or you’ve noticed persistent bad breath or buildup near the gumline, shorter cleaning intervals can help prevent these issues from getting worse.
Key Takeaways
Regular teeth cleaning is a simple habit with long-term benefits. It helps prevent gum disease, reduces plaque buildup, and keeps your smile in good shape without much effort.
Both routine and deep cleanings play an important role in maintaining oral health, but the results depend simply on what you prefer.
Staying consistent with checkups, following aftercare, and maintaining daily brushing and flossing are all you need to keep dental problems under control. If it’s been a while since your last visit, consider Dental Land for your next teeth cleaning. We’ll surely make this decision of yours worth every penny.
