If you have swollen, tender gums or notice blood on your toothbrush or floss after cleaning your teeth, you might have gum disease. The CDC estimates that nearly half (about 47%) of American adults who are 30 or older have some form of periodontal problem. Because advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, it’s important to resolve it sooner rather than later.
Thankfully, your dentist can halt its progress with scaling and root planing. This technique allows them to remove harmful materials and preserve your gums to safeguard your smile. However, you might hesitate to get the treatment you need if you’re worried you can’t afford it.
Continue reading to learn more about scaling and root planing and the associated costs!
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Gum disease occurs when bacteria and plaque accumulate along your gumline and penetrate beneath it. This can infect the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can often be reversed with more thorough brushing and flossing at home. That said, if you don’t catch or treat this condition quickly enough, it will worsen, and you’ll need your dentist’s intervention.
Scaling and root planing is a two-part process to address gum disease. First, your dentist scrapes away infected materials from between your teeth and below your gums using specialized instruments. Once the toxic residue is removed, they smooth out the roots of your teeth to prevent potential plaque buildup and encourage your receding gums to reattach to your enamel.
How Much Does Scaling and Root Planing Cost?
Although it may vary depending on your unique situation, you can typically expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300 for this gum disease therapy. If your condition is severe and you need multiple appointments, you’ll accumulate additional fees. Plus, you may also have to pay for other services that are required to treat your gum disease, like dental exams, irrigation, antimicrobial agents, etc.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Scaling and Root Planing?
Many dental insurance policies include 50% coverage for this treatment, although some restrictions may apply. For example, a waiting period may pass before benefits kick in, and you probably have an annual deductible to meet.
If you don’t have insurance and are worried about the total amount due, ask your dentist if they have an in-house savings plan. Many providers have annual memberships you can join that have offer free or reduced-cost services. These often include free oral examinations and imaging, which can lower your total invoice. They might also have discounts on periodontal treatments that are necessary to restore your oral well-being.
If you have gum disease, paying the cost for scaling and root planing now can preclude potential problems later!
About the Practice
At Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, you and your family benefit from two dentists who work together to provide a full range of services to meet all your dental needs under one roof. Drs. Buller and Odenweller take a holistic approach to oral care and believe that proactively improving your oral condition can enhance your daily quality of life. They combine a personable approach with state-of-the-art equipment to help you feel relaxed while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. If you’re worried about gum disease and think you may need scaling and root planing, you can contact the office on the website or call (614) 475-1874.