- Delta Dental usually covers scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) as a basic or major benefit
- Coverage is typically 50–80% after your deductible, depending on your specific plan and network
- We verify your Delta Dental benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what you'll pay
- No surprises — we give you an estimate before you commit to treatment
If your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning — also called scaling and root planing — your first question is probably: will my insurance pay for this? It's a fair question. Deep cleanings cost more than a regular cleaning, and it helps to know what you're looking at before you say yes to treatment. Here's how Delta Dental typically handles it, and what to expect at Rabbit Creek Dental.
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth above the gumline. It's a maintenance procedure for healthy gums. A deep cleaning goes further. Scaling and root planing removes buildup from below the gumline — from the root surfaces of your teeth where bacteria have caused damage. It's a treatment for gum disease (periodontitis), not just routine maintenance. If your hygienist finds that your gum pockets are deeper than normal — typically 4mm or more — and there are signs of bone loss or infection, a deep cleaning is the appropriate treatment. It's not optional in those cases. Without it, gum disease continues to progress.
How Does Delta Dental Cover Deep Cleanings?
Delta Dental coverage for scaling and root planing depends on your specific plan, but here's the general pattern:
Coverage percentage. Most Delta Dental plans categorize deep cleanings as a basic or major service, covered at 50–80% after your deductible. That means if the procedure costs $600 total, you might pay $120–$300 depending on your plan.
Frequency limitations. Most plans will only cover scaling and root planing once every 24 months per quadrant. If you've had a deep cleaning recently, your plan may not cover another one yet.
Medical necessity requirement. Insurance companies want documentation that the treatment is necessary. Your hygienist records your pocket depths, bleeding points, and bone levels at every visit. That documentation supports the insurance claim.
Delta Dental networks. Delta Dental has two main networks — Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier. Your coverage level may differ depending on which network we participate in for your plan. Call us and we'll check.
What Will I Actually Pay Out of Pocket?
That depends on your specific Delta Dental plan; whether you've met your deductible for the year; how much of your annual maximum you've already used; and which quadrants need treatment. We verify your benefits before every appointment. When your hygienist recommends a deep cleaning, we'll pull your benefits, estimate your out-of-pocket cost, and give you that information before you commit to anything. No surprises.
What If My Insurance Doesn't Cover It Fully?
If you have a balance after insurance, we have options:
RCD Dental Savings Plan. Our in-office membership plan includes discounts on treatment for patients without insurance or with limited coverage. At $336/year, it can reduce your cost for procedures like deep cleanings.
Cherry financing. Spread your out-of-pocket cost into manageable monthly payments. Ask our team about financing options when you come in.
Should I Get a Deep Cleaning If My Insurance Won't Cover It?
Yes — if Dr. Gegzna or your hygienist recommends it, it means your gums need it. Gum disease doesn't go away on its own. It progresses slowly and often without obvious pain until it's caused significant damage — bone loss, tooth mobility, eventual tooth loss. If you want a clearer picture of the stakes, read what happens if you don't treat gum disease. A deep cleaning at the right time is almost always less expensive than the treatment required if gum disease is left untreated. We serve patients from Mobile, Theodore, Grand Bay, and across the Gulf Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Delta Dental plans cover deep cleanings at 50–80% after your deductible, but it depends on your specific plan. We'll verify your benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect.
Most plans cover scaling and root planing once every 24 months per quadrant. If you've had one recently, your benefits may not have reset yet.
If your hygienist recommends it based on your pocket depths and gum health, yes. Skipping treatment allows gum disease to progress, which leads to more expensive problems — including tooth loss — down the road.
Most deep cleanings are done in two appointments, treating one side of your mouth at a time. Each appointment typically takes about an hour. Your gums may be tender for a day or two afterward.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.