How Much Does Scale & Root Planing Cost?
Scaling and root planing in mobile al is a procedure used by your dental professionals to clear infection below the gum line. When plaque builds up, it causes bacteria to become trapped and can require a more invasive deep cleaning to eradicate.
How Much Does Scaling and Root Planing Cost?
The extent of infection will play a factor in determining how much you will spend on this procedure. You may not need scaling in your whole mouth, instead you may have just one or two affected areas. The cost can run between $400 and $4,000 for your entire mouth.
You may also need to consider which dental professional will best meet your needs, medically and financially. Your general dental office can perform scaling and root planing though, if your buildup is more extensive and involves gum recession, you may need to have a Periodontist examine your teeth and gums and perform your treatment. A Periodontist my run you more out of pocket cost but they specialize in treating gums.
Associated Costs of Scaling and Root Planing
Most dental healthcare providers will need to take a full set of dental x-rays before proceeding with a deep cleaning. This is necessary, especially if you have dental insurance. Your dentist will need to submit your x-rays along with your claim and can cost between $50 and $300.
During the routine cleaning before your deep cleaning, your hygienist my do a full mouth debridement, removing the plaque above the gum line before having you back to receive scale and root planing. A debridement may run $75 to $200.
Once your deep cleaning is done, you may need antibiotic injections or arestin placement in one or more pocket. This helps clear infection and aids healing and can cost an additional $50 to $100 per site.
Saving Money on Scaling and Root Planing
- If you have dental insurance, this can greatly reduce your out of pocket cost. Depending on your coverage and network, your insurance may cover between 50% and 80%. Know what your individual plan covers and ask your dental office to submit a pre treatment estimate to your insurance provider to better determine the cost to you.
- Another option that can help alleviate the cost to you is a dental discount plan. Instead of a monthly premium as with insurance, for a dental discount program you would pay an annual membership fee and receive discounts for any dental treatment you receive.
- Receiving your treatment through a dental school is another great way to cut cost! All procedures are supervised by a licensed professional. You may be able to find a continuing education course that needs a volunteer for a class.
Additional Cost Cutting Options
If you have been advised to have scaling and root planing treatment, do some research to find out what options are in your area. Some offices may not give a quote over the phone but if you let them know up front that you have been recommended scaling, they may give you a breakdown. Get quotes from anyone you feel comfortable with and ask for a consultation if you find one in particular that you think is a good fit.
Above all, plan to have your treatment as soon as you can. Periodontal disease does not go away on it’s own and will require more frequent cleanings once completed. Our teeth and gums do not heal themselves so it is important to follow through with dental treatment sooner rather than later.
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