Gum Disease Treatment Cost by Procedure
The cost of treating gum disease depends on the severity. Treatment ranges from non-surgical cleaning procedures for early-stage disease to surgery for advanced cases. Here is what each level of treatment typically costs.
Professional Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
A standard dental cleaning, or prophylaxis, costs $100 to $200. This is a preventive procedure for patients who have healthy gums or very early signs of gingivitis (the earliest, reversible stage of gum disease). If you have only gingivitis, a professional cleaning combined with improved home care may be all that is needed.
Prophylaxis is typically covered at 100% by dental insurance as a preventive service. Most plans allow two cleanings per year.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is the first-line treatment for moderate gum disease (periodontitis). The procedure involves cleaning below the gum line to remove tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces of the teeth. It is typically performed under local anesthesia one or two quadrants at a time.
The cost is $200 to $400 per quadrant. A full-mouth treatment (four quadrants) costs $800 to $1,600. Some providers also place a localized antibiotic in deep pockets after scaling, which adds $35 to $85 per tooth. Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as a basic or major procedure at 50% to 80%.
Periodontal Surgery
When scaling and root planing alone cannot control the disease, periodontal surgery may be needed. Several types of surgery address different problems.
- Flap surgery (osseous surgery): The periodontist lifts the gum tissue, removes tartar and diseased tissue from deep pockets, and reshapes the bone before suturing the gums back. Cost: $500 to $3,000 per quadrant.
- Bone grafting: Used to regenerate bone lost to periodontitis. Bone graft material is placed in areas of bone loss to encourage regrowth. Cost: $500 to $2,000 per site.
- Guided tissue regeneration: A membrane is placed between the bone and gum tissue to direct bone regrowth in a specific area. This is often combined with bone grafting. Cost: $500 to $1,500 per site.
LANAP Laser Treatment
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) uses a specialized dental laser to treat gum disease without cutting or suturing. The laser selectively removes diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue. LANAP costs $1,500 to $4,000 per quadrant, or $4,000 to $10,000 for full-mouth treatment.
LANAP is more expensive than traditional surgery but offers a less invasive option with less post-operative discomfort and faster healing for many patients. Not all periodontists offer LANAP, and not all cases are suitable for laser treatment. Insurance coverage for LANAP varies; some plans cover it at the same rate as traditional surgery, while others classify it differently.
Gum Graft Surgery
Gum grafting is performed when gum disease or other factors have caused gum recession, exposing the tooth roots. A periodontist takes tissue from the roof of the mouth or uses donor tissue to cover the exposed root and rebuild the gum line. Gum graft surgery typically costs $600 to $3,000 per treatment area.
Connective tissue grafts (using tissue from under a flap in the roof of the mouth) are the most common type. Free gingival grafts and pedicle grafts are alternatives depending on the situation. Newer techniques using donor tissue matrices can reduce discomfort from the donor site but may cost slightly more.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Gum disease is a chronic condition. After active treatment, ongoing maintenance is essential to prevent recurrence.
Periodontal maintenance cleanings are performed every 3 to 4 months instead of the standard twice-yearly cleaning. Each maintenance visit costs $150 to $300. Over a year, this adds $450 to $1,200 in maintenance costs. While this is more than standard cleanings, it is significantly less expensive than retreating disease that has recurred.
Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal maintenance cleanings, though they may apply them against your annual maximum or limit the number of covered visits per year.
The Cost of Not Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease does not improve on its own. Without treatment, it progresses from gingivitis to periodontitis to advanced periodontitis, and each stage costs more to treat.
Gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional cleaning ($100 to $200) and improved home care. Mild periodontitis requires scaling and root planing ($800 to $1,600). Moderate to severe periodontitis may need surgery ($2,000 to $10,000). Advanced disease that results in tooth loss adds the cost of tooth replacement: $3,000 to $6,000 per implant or $2,000 to $5,000 per bridge.
Beyond dental costs, untreated gum disease has been linked to increased risk for systemic health conditions including cardiovascular disease and poorly controlled diabetes. Treating gum disease early is the most cost-effective approach.
Insurance Coverage and Financing
Dental insurance typically covers a portion of gum disease treatment, though the level of coverage varies by procedure and plan.
What Insurance Typically Covers
Preventive cleanings are usually covered at 100%. Scaling and root planing is classified as a basic or major procedure, covered at 50% to 80% after your deductible. Periodontal surgery is typically a major procedure covered at 50%. Gum grafting coverage varies by plan.
Annual maximums (commonly $1,500 to $2,500) can be a limiting factor for patients needing multiple procedures. If your treatment plan spans two calendar years, your provider may be able to phase treatment to maximize benefits in each year.
Financing and Payment Options
Many periodontal practices offer payment plans or work with financing companies. HSA and FSA funds can be used for all gum disease treatments. Some periodontists offer phased treatment plans that spread costs over several months, treating one or two quadrants at a time.
When to See a Periodontist
A periodontist is a dental specialist who has completed 3 additional years of residency training beyond dental school, focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. General dentists treat mild gum disease, but a periodontist is the right choice for moderate to severe periodontitis, cases that have not responded to initial treatment, surgical procedures, gum grafting, and patients with systemic conditions that affect gum health.
If your general dentist has recommended deep cleaning or told you that you have periodontal pockets deeper than 5 millimeters, a consultation with a periodontist is a reasonable next step.
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