How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost? Alberta Fee Guide Breakdown for Cochrane Dental Patients

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, regular dental cleanings play a critical role in preventing serious issues like gum disease and cavities. However, many patients often have one important question in mind: How much does a dental cleaning cost? At Bow River Dental Cochrane, we understand that cost can be a concern, and we believe in providing high-quality care without financial surprises. That's why we adhere to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, a standardized pricing structure that ensures fair, transparent fees for all dental services.

We pride ourselves on fostering trust and transparency with our patients. By following the Alberta Fee Guide, we ensure that our pricing remains consistent with provincial recommendations, allowing you to focus on your oral health without worrying about hidden charges. In this blog, we will break down the specific costs of a dental cleaning and explain why this preventive care is essential for maintaining your smile—and your overall well-being.

Whether you’re searching for dental cleaning near me or simply curious about the average cost of dental cleaning, this article will provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about your oral health. Let’s dive into the cost breakdown and what you can expect during your next dental cleaning visit to Bow River Dental Centre.

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What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

When you arrive for your dental cleaning at Bow River Dental Cochrane, you’re greeted by our friendly and welcoming front desk team, who make sure you feel comfortable right from the start. After check-in, you'll be guided to your treatment room by one of our expert Registered Dental Hygienists, who will be with you throughout the cleaning process. These experienced professionals are not only highly skilled in dental care but are also here to make your visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Once seated, your hygienist will take the time to ensure you’re comfortable and explain what the cleaning will involve. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask—our team is always happy to provide information and ease any concerns you may have. After reviewing your medical and dental history with you, our hygienists will walk you through each step of the treatment and obtain your consent for treatment.

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Step-by-Step Breakdown of Your Dental Cleaning

1. Initial Examination: Before starting the cleaning, your hygienist will perform an initial check of your teeth and gums. This is a preliminary step to identify any problem areas, such as inflamed gums or plaque buildup that might need special attention during the cleaning.
2. Scaling: The first main step involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gum line. Using specialized tools, your hygienist will carefully scale each tooth, above and below the gums, ensuring a thorough cleaning that promotes healthy gums and prevents future issues like gum disease.
3. Polishing: After scaling, your teeth will be polished using a high-powered electric toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste designed to remove surface stains. This leaves your teeth feeling smooth and looking brighter.
4. Flossing: Your hygienist will also floss your teeth, and reviews proper oral hygiene practices at home with you.
5. Fluoride Treatment: Lastly, a fluoride treatment will be applied to strengthen your enamel and provide an added layer of protection against cavities.

Our hygienists are dedicated to making sure you leave with a clean, healthy smile and a full understanding of what was done during the cleaning. They’re always available to offer advice on how to maintain your oral health between visits and will often provide tips tailored specifically to your needs.

Our spa like facility also provides you with all the means necessary for you to have a comfortable visit. This will include neck pillow, blanket, lip balms, warm towels, TV, headphones, massage chair, and more.

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Why Dental Cleanings Are Important

The gradual bacterial build up around teeth in the form of plaque and calculus result in the inflammation of the gums and the surrounding tissues, known as periodontium, if left unchallenged, the progressive and irreversible destruction of the teeth supporting tissue will lead to teeth mobility and tooth loss. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 4 in 10 adults 30 years and older in US have some form of periodontitis, the inflammation and destruction of the periodontium. This is why regular cleaning of the build ups around the teeth is paramount.  

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How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?

When considering dental care, one of the most common questions patients ask is, "How much does a dental cleaning cost?" Understanding the cost of dental treatments is essential to making informed decisions about your oral health. At Bow River Dental Cochrane, we believe in complete transparency when it comes to our pricing. Our goal is to provide high-quality care without overcharging patients, which is why we adhere to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures that our patients receive fair and consistent pricing for their dental treatments.

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What is the Alberta Dental Fee Guide?

The Alberta Dental Fee Guide is an annual publication by the Alberta Dental Association that provides recommended fees for a wide range of dental services. It serves as a guideline for dental clinics across the province, helping standardize costs for both basic and more complex treatments. While the fee guide is not mandatory, many clinics, including Bow River Dental Cochrane, follow it closely to ensure that patients are billed fairly for the services they receive. This guide helps prevent unexpected charges, ensures transparency, and offers patients peace of mind that they are paying a fair rate for dental care.

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Price Breakdown for Dental Cleaning

Here is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a dental cleaning, based on the 2024 Alberta Dental Fee Guide:

• Scaling (3 units): $240.90 (each unit 80.30$)
  Scaling involves removing plaque and calculus from the surfaces of your teeth above and below your gums to prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
• Polishing (1 unit): $71.54
  Polishing smooths the teeth and removes stains, helping to maintain a clean and bright smile.
• Fluoride Treatment: $34.66
  Fluoride treatments are recommended to strengthen your enamel and provide additional protection against cavities and decay.

The average cost of a dental cleaning typically falls between $300 and $400, depending on the time spent on scaling and polishing, your individual needs and the overall condition of your teeth.

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Average Cost of Dental Cleaning and Transparency at Bow River Dental Cochrane

At Bow River Dental Cochrane, we are committed to delivering high-quality care while adhering to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, ensuring that our pricing is fair, consistent, and transparent. For a standard dental cleaning, patients can generally expect to pay between $300 and $400, depending on the time needed for scaling and polishing. The overall condition of your oral health can also impact the total time spent.

In some cases, additional preventive measures or diagnostics, such as X-rays, may be required to assess potential issues like cavities or other concerns that might not be visible during the cleaning. For example, a single panoramic X-ray image costs $101.53 according to the Alberta Fee Guide. While these additional services may increase the overall cost, they are necessary to ensure that we can provide you with the most thorough care possible.

For most patients, a routine dental cleaning typically averages around $350, providing reassurance that your dental care remains both affordable and stress-free. Our adherence to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide ensures transparency, so there are no hidden fees or surprises. This allows you to focus on maintaining your oral health with confidence.

Additionally, most dental insurance plans adhere to the Alberta Fee Guide as well, covering the cost of routine cleanings and preventive services according to your specific coverage. Depending on your insurance provider and plan, the majority or even the full cost of services like dental cleanings may be covered, further reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

By choosing Bow River Dental, you’re assured of fair, standardized pricing, along with the peace of mind that your insurance aligns with these fees, ensuring seamless, affordable care. Our team is always happy to help you navigate your coverage and answer any questions you may have about how your insurance benefits apply.

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How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

It’s generally recommended to have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year to maintain optimal oral health. This biannual schedule helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup, prevent cavities, and reduce the risk of gum disease. Regular cleanings also provide an opportunity for early detection of potential issues, such as decay or periodontal problems.

However, certain individuals may need more frequent cleanings. For example, if you have gum disease, diabetes, or other inflammatory conditions, your dentist may suggest cleanings every three to four months. Smokers and patients with a higher risk of developing oral health problems may also benefit from more frequent visits.

Ultimately, the exact frequency will depend on your unique oral health needs, and your Cochrane dentist can provide guidance on the best schedule for you based on a thorough examination.

By keeping up with regular cleanings, you can avoid more invasive treatments later and ensure that your oral health remains in top condition.

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Next Steps

Maintaining a routine of regular dental cleanings is one of the most effective ways to preserve your oral health and prevent serious dental issues like cavities and gum disease. At Bow River Dental Cochrane, we prioritize patient trust by following the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, ensuring fair and transparent pricing for all of our services. Whether you’re concerned about the cost or curious about the process, we’re here to provide high-quality care and clear communication every step of the way.

By scheduling dental cleanings at least twice a year—and more frequently if you have certain conditions like gum disease—you can enjoy the benefits of a healthier, brighter smile and lower the risk of more costly treatments in the future. We invite you to book your next cleaning at Cochrane Dental, where our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve long-term oral health. Let us take care of your smile, while you focus on living your best life.

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