Scaling and Root Planing Cost
On average, a scaling and root planing procedure will cost two to four hundred dollars per quadrant of the mouth being treated, however the extent of work being done will be the biggest determinant to how much the total procedure costs. Depending on the severity of your case, the scaling and root planing procedure can be performed in one or two separate visits. When performing the scaling and root planing procedure, your mouth is divided into four quadrants and evaluated to determine which of these quadrants is in need of treatment. It may be that only one or two quadrants are impacted by periodontal disease, in which case you will likely only require one appointment. Patients who have three or all four quadrants impacted by periodontal disease may take longer.
Additional factors that will play a role in the cost of treatment include:
- Initial evaluation: It is important to factor in the cost of your initial evaluation prior to having your scale and root planing procedure performed. The price of this visit will vary from office to office, but is often covered under dental benefit plans.
- Diagnostic exams: It may be necessary to take X-Rays or a CT scan to determine the severity of your periodontal disease and whether additional treatment options may be necessary.
- Dental insurance or dental discount plan coverage: The scaling and root planing procedure is commonly covered under dental insurance and dental discount plans, however every plan is slightly different. Be sure to contact your provider and/or ask your clinic to help you determine what the anticipated costs and coverage will be prior to scheduling your procedure.
- Additional procedures: If scaling and root planing is being performed alongside other treatments such as dental crowns (average $500-$3,000+ per tooth) dental bonding (average $100-$1,000 per tooth), or veneers (average $500-$1,100 per tooth), this will increase the total cost of treatment.
- Dental sedation: While a local anesthetic may be sufficient for many patients who are scheduled to have a scale and root planing procedure performed, patients who require dental sedation will have to pay an additional fee that may not be covered by insurance.
Is Scaling and Root Planing Worth the Cost and Time Involved?
If your periodontist has recommended that you have a scaling and root planing procedure performed, it is important that you make every effort possible to have this procedure performed as quickly as possible to ensure that you sustain your overall oral health and avoid developing additional issues. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause a range of issues to develop, ranging from mild to serious. One of the most common consequences of periodontal disease is gums losing their pink color, becoming swollen, and bleeding easily. In later stages, more serious issues can develop, such as receding gums and the loss of teeth. To ensure you avoid these type of consequences, schedule your appointment for scale and root planing today.