A routine dental cleaning typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, with the cleaning portion usually lasting about 40 minutes. The total appointment may also include an exam, oral cancer screening, X-rays, and home care instructions

. For patients with good oral hygiene, a cleaning might be closer to 30-40 minutes, while those with more plaque buildup or gum disease may require longer sessions

. Deep cleanings, which are more extensive and used to treat gum disease, can take between 1 to 2 hours, sometimes requiring multiple appointments

. In summary:

• Routine cleaning: 30 to 60 minutes
• Deep cleaning (periodontal scaling and root planing): 1 to 2 hours

The exact length depends on oral health status, presence of tartar, gum disease, and whether additional procedures like X-rays are needed