Professional Dental Cleaning: Price and Types in Spain
The foundation of all oral health. Removes plaque and tartar that brushing can't reach, prevents cavities and gum disease.
- Three modalities depending on gum status
- Prevents cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis
- Recommended every 6-12 months
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What is it?
Professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar (dental calculus) accumulated on teeth and gums. No matter how correct your home hygiene, there are areas the brush and floss can't reach, and plaque mineralizes into tartar that only a dentist or hygienist can remove with specific instruments.
It is the most important treatment to prevent bigger problems: cavities, gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (bone and tooth loss). The cost of a professional cleaning is much lower than treating the consequences of not doing it.
There are three modalities depending on the state of your gums. The first two are preventive, the third is therapeutic for advanced cases. The dentist determines which you need after a quick examination.
How is the process?
- 1
Simple prophylaxis
Standard cleaning for patients with healthy gums. Removal of supragingival (above the gum) plaque and tartar and final polishing. 30-45 minutes.
- 2
Tartar removal
Deeper cleaning for patients with significant tartar buildup or mild gingivitis. Includes removal of extrinsic stains (coffee, tea, tobacco) and polishing. 45-60 minutes.
- 3
Scaling and root planing
Periodontal treatment for patients with periodontitis. Removes subgingival tartar (below the gum) and bacteria within periodontal pockets. Usually divided into 2-4 sessions per quadrants and requires local anesthesia.
How long does it take?
Simple prophylaxis takes 30-45 minutes in a single visit. Tartar removal 45-60 minutes. Scaling and root planing is usually divided into 2-4 sessions of 60-90 minutes each. After treatment, maintenance reviews are scheduled every 3-6 months.
What is included
- Initial examination of teeth and gums
- Removal of plaque and tartar
- Final dental polishing
- Personalized hygiene recommendations
- In scaling: local anesthesia when necessary
- In scaling: healing review
What is NOT included
- Treatment of cavities detected during cleaning
- Root canal or extractions
- Teeth whitening (separate treatment)
- Filling replacement
Expected results
Professional cleaning leaves teeth noticeably cleaner to the touch and, in many cases, slightly whiter by removing surface stains. Gums recover firmness and pink color in 1-2 weeks. In gingivitis cases, bleeding while brushing disappears after cleaning if good hygiene is maintained. In periodontitis, scaling stops disease progression but does not recover bone already lost.
Aftercare
- No food or drink for 30 minutes after cleaning
- First 24h: avoid very cold or hot drinks and staining foods
- Gentle brushing for the first 48h, gums may be sensitive
- Use floss daily and interdental brush if recommended by the dentist
- Review every 6 months (every 3-4 if you have periodontitis)
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Once a year if you have healthy gums and good hygiene. Every 6 months if you smoke, take medication that affects gums or have a tendency to tartar buildup. Every 3-4 months if you have periodontitis under maintenance.
Does dental cleaning hurt?
Simple prophylaxis and tartar removal don't hurt, there may only be mild discomfort from ultrasound. Scaling and root planing can be uncomfortable when working under the gum, which is why it's done with local anesthesia for most patients.
Does dental cleaning whiten teeth?
It only removes extrinsic stains (coffee, tea, tobacco) which can give the sensation of whiter teeth. It does not change the natural color of the enamel like teeth whitening does. If you want to lighten the shade, the correct order is: first cleaning, then whitening.
Why is there such a price difference between types?
Because they are different treatments. Prophylaxis is prevention on healthy gums. Tartar removal is more intensive prevention with stain and tartar removal. Scaling is a therapeutic periodontitis treatment requiring multiple sessions, anesthesia and work under the gum. To know which type you need and your personalized price, upload a photo to our AI calculator — it shows you in 30 seconds.
Is it covered by Social Security?
In Spain public health only covers simple extractions and dental emergencies in adults. Dental cleaning is not covered and must be paid privately or with private dental insurance.
Is there a risk that frequent cleanings wear down teeth?
No. Properly performed professional cleaning does not damage or wear down dental enamel. It is much more harmful NOT to do it and let tartar accumulate causing periodontal disease.
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