Professional dental cleaning: Reduce the cost of dental treatment through preventive care

The cost of professional teeth cleaning by the dentist

As already mentioned, professional tooth cleaning (PZR) is not among the services covered by statutory health insurance. Patients must therefore pay the entire cost of treatment without the help of health insurance. The cost of treatment depends on various factors:

1. factor: the health of the teeth

A decisive cost factor of PZR is the health situation in the patient's oral cavity. Basically, the healthier and better cared for the teeth and gums are, the less expensive the professional dental cleaning in the dental practice will be. Dentists generally recommend one to two professional dental cleanings a year for their adult patients. The urgency or number of treatments is measured by the patient's brushing habits.

The costs of dental cleaning are calculated in the course of health with the help of the so-called scale of fees for dentists (GOZ). Dentists are obliged to bill dental cleaning according to GOZ 1040. The scope of billing is minimized if the dental cleaning is simple due to positive dental health. Important for the calculation is a dental hygiene, which contains the condition as well as the type, quantity and cause of dental plaque. Thus, good dental hygiene can reduce the cost of treatment.

Factor 2: The dental cleaning method of the practice

PZRs are considered ideal preventive treatments against tooth decay, gingivitis and other dental diseases. Furthermore, dentists like to recommend them as a follow-up treatment after procedures such as periodontitis treatment. The reason for its popularity is its promising success in improving dental hygiene and health as much as possible, as well as strengthening the protective power of teeth.

Dental cleaning as a pre- or post-treatment is not performed in the same way in all dental practices. Different precautions and methods influence the duration and cost of professional teeth cleaning. Depending on the procedure, the cost of dental cleaning can be lower or higher. In order to keep the costs as low as possible, it is advisable to check in the preliminary consultation whether the most important steps of the dental cleaning are followed by the dentist. The most important steps include an assessment of the teeth and gums, removal of soft and hard plaque, polishing of the teeth, and application of a fluoride-containing varnish or gel. Furthermore, after the treatment, the dentist should go into more detail about the strengths and weaknesses of oral hygiene and provide tips for better oral hygiene at home.

Factor 3: Materials and qualifications of the practice

In addition to the chosen treatment steps of the dentist, the qualification of the practice is also crucial for the cost of the subsequent dental treatment. Among the important qualifications is the choice of the material of a practice as well as the suitability of the staff. Furthermore, the region of the dental practice can also drive up or lower the price. For an average dental cleaning, the treatment costs about 3.62 euros per tooth. Professional teeth cleaning is usually a total price of about 80 to 120 euros.

If one is unsure about the cost of professional teeth cleaning, the dentist can provide a cost estimate. A cost estimate provides patients with initial insight into the cost of treatment. Furthermore, the estimate provides a more detailed insight into the cost items. These can then be checked during the course of treatment, so that the doctor really does take all the steps in the treatment.

Tip: If you are still not sure to what extent the practice is suitable for PZR, you can also ask about the qualifications of the treating specialist. This person should be trained as a dental prophylaxis assistant (ZMP) or dental hygienist (DH).

How to reduce costs with supplementary dental insurance

Dental cleanings protect teeth, prevent disease, and make patients feel better about their mouths, which also benefits the rest of the body as well as the psyche. Despite their many benefits, many patients are put off by their treatment costs. Because of this, they quickly deny the treatment despite a doctor's advice. Before denial, however, it is advisable to keep an eye out for possible financing. For example, not all health insurance companies exclude the assumption of cleaning costs. A complete assumption does not take place however from the health insurance company. However, a subsidy can be assumed by some health insurance companies.

In addition to the examination of the health insurance, there is also the possibility of taking out supplementary dental insurance. If you are interested in a specialized insurance, you should compare the supplementary dental insurances for professional teeth cleaning. A good insurance will cover the cost of professional teeth cleaning, as well as other costs associated with the health of the interior of the oral apparatus. The right supplemental insurance will cover 100 percent of the cost of PZR at least once a year. In addition to teeth cleaning, there are also insurances that cover teeth whitening in the form of bleaching.