Scale and Root Planing Cost
Scale and root planing is a nonsurgical dental procedure that is used to clear periodontal disease. Sometimes called a deep cleaning, scale and root planing is a common first step and has a great success rate. If periodontal disease is too advanced, you may require specialized treatment from a periodontist to restore the health of your teeth and gums.
How Much Does Scale and Root Planing Cost?
Scaling and root planing can cost between $400 and $4,000 and mostly depends on the number of areas being treated. If you only need one quadrant of your mouth treated, it may be closer to $400. Treating the entire mouth will, of course, be more costly. There is also going to be a difference in cost depending on your location. Patients in metropolitan areas should expect to pay more than those in more rural places.
Additionally, the fee schedule for scale and root planing will be different at a dental office and a periodontal office. If you do not require specialized treatment from a periodontist, your general dentist may be able to treat you and have a lower cost.
Additional Costs with Scale and Root Planing
There may be additional costs associated with periodontal disease treatment. If you have an active infection when you attend a regular cleaning, they will not be able to provide a typical prophylactic cleaning and may need to perform a full mouth debridement, which can cost from $75 to $200.
You will also need to have a full set of x-rays which may run between $50 and $300. If you have dental insurance that you are relying on to cover the cost of treatment, your insurance provider will likely require diagnostic x-rays and periodontal charting before they will pay for the scale and root planing.
Additionally, an antibiotic chip may be necessary in particularly deep pockets to help clear infection. Arestin helps your gum tissue heal closer to the tooth surface and can tack on an additional $50 to $100 per site.
Financing Scale and Root Planing
Dental Insurance
Insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Most insurance plans will cover 80% for procedures done by an in-network provider and up to 50% out-of-network. You may also consider having your dental office submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance provider before treatment is done to get a better idea of exactly how much they will cover and what, if any, out-of-pocket cost you will need to cover on your own.
Dental Discount Plans
Another option to help alleviate your out-of-pocket cost is a discount plan. Discount plans have an annual membership fee instead of a monthly premium, like dental insurance. Any dental treatment you receive will be at a discounted rate but only with participating dentists so make sure to find a provider who participates in your chosen discount program, which you can locate using the program’s website.
Dental Schools
Utilizing educational programs at dental schools is a great way to save on treatment. All procedures are supervised by a licensed dental professional so not only is it safe, it can be a very cost effective option. You also may be able to find a continuing education course that needs a volunteer for a class or seminar, in which case your treatment would be provided in front of a group of dental professionals.
If cost is a concern, make some calls to different offices and ask about their fees. A lot of offices may not be able to provide fees over the phone without having evaluated your mouth for themselves, which is meant to protect you and the office. After an evaluation, the provider will be able to provide an accurate treatment plan and fee estimate.