Do You Really Need That Deep Cleaning? What Your Dentist Might Not Be Telling You”

You went in for a routine dental visit… and walked out with a treatment plan that costs hundreds of dollars.

You’re told you need a “deep cleaning.” You assume insurance will cover it—until you’re hit with a surprise bill and a 12-month waiting period.

Now you’re wondering: Is this really necessary? Or am I being upsold?

At Mere, we’ve seen this happen far too often. That’s why we help our clients understand what’s covered, what’s optional, and what’s worth getting a second opinion on.

You deserve care that’s medically necessary—not financially motivated.

We’re not here to discredit the entire dental field—but let’s be honest: deep cleanings are big business. Some dentists recommend them aggressively, even when there’s no diagnosis of gum disease.

We help you ask the right questions before saying “yes” to treatment you may not actually need.

What Is a Deep Cleaning—and When Do You Really Need One?

Also called scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning is meant for people with:

• Moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis)

• Signs of bone loss or gum detachment

• Bleeding, inflammation, or deep pockets around the gums

It’s not meant to replace a routine cleaning—and shouldn’t be recommended if your gums are healthy.

Yet many people walk in with no symptoms… and walk out with a deep cleaning appointment and a huge bill.

Why Insurance Often Won’t Pay for It

• Deep cleanings are considered major dental work

• Most dental policies have a 12-month waiting period for major services

• If there’s no diagnosis of gum disease, insurance may deny the claim

• Some plans only cover a portion of the cost—or require pre-approval
  
  

Here’s the Plan:

1. Call our team for a review of your current dental coverage

2. Learn what’s covered, when, and under what circumstances

3. Ask your provider for documentation before agreeing to treatment

4. Consider a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right

You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your budget.

At Mere, we help you navigate dental plans with clarity and confidence—so you never feel caught off guard or forced into unnecessary treatment.

Call or text (904) 654-5450 or visit www.merebenefits.com to review your plan before your next appointment.

Frequently Asked Question

What questions should I ask if my dentist recommends a deep cleaning?

Ask: “Do I have a diagnosis of periodontal disease?” “Will insurance cover this?” and “What are my options?” You can also request your x-rays and gum measurements to get a second opinion.

Can I just get a regular cleaning instead?

If your gums are healthy and there’s no evidence of disease, yes. However, if there is genuine concern, skipping deeper treatment could lead to long-term damage. We’ll help you sort through what’s necessary.

Do you offer dental insurance?

Yes! We can help you compare affordable dental plans for individuals, families, and seniors—with clear explanations of what’s covered and when.