Why does a deep cleaning cost more than a regular cleaning?
Because it treats an infection and a regular cleaning does not. A regular cleaning polishes above the gumline on gums that are already healthy.
A deep cleaning goes below the gumline to take hardened bacteria off the root surfaces, so the gum has a clean surface to reattach to. Different procedure, different time, usually numbing.
Above the gumline
Maintenance for gums that are already healthy.
Below the gumline
Treatment for an active infection, on the root surfaces.
How you know which one you need
By the millimeter numbers called out during your exam. Those are the depths of the pockets between gum and tooth. Healthy sits around 1 to 3mm. Consistent readings of 4mm and above with bleeding is the point where polishing the tops of the teeth stops being treatment.
You can drag a probe yourself and see what those depths look like on the gum disease page.
Why it is not upselling
It is a fair thing to be suspicious of, so here is the check: ask to see your own numbers and your own x-rays. Pocket depths are measured, written down, and comparable to your last visit. Bone loss shows on an x-ray. If nobody will show you either, get a second opinion.
The other half of the answer is that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it is painless until late. A deep cleaning is cheap next to what it prevents.
Written by Dr. Peter Bonifatto, DMD, a general dentist in Las Vegas whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative work. General information, not a diagnosis. What your own teeth need is decided at an exam, with x-rays.
Ask about your own teeth.
A comprehensive exam with photographs and x-rays, then a written plan with real figures you keep. Starts at $99, with no deposit on top of it.