How Much Does Periodontal Maintenance Cost?

There are a range of costs associated with periodontal maintenance marin county. In the early stages of periodontal disease, a scale and root planing procedure will likely be performed. This simple procedure involves the removal of tartar that has accumulated above and below the gum line, which can cause the pockets of your gum to deepen, which in turn allows for more bacteria to accumulate and periodontal disease to develop. These deep cleanings cost $150-$300 on average, but this price will vary depending on factors like where you are located, the professional reputation of your dentist, and the severity of your case. In some cases, only one or two quadrants of your mouth will need to be treated, which can be completed in one visit. If three or all four quadrants of your mouth require treatment, this may require multiple visits, which will increase the total cost. There may also be additional costs if medications like antimicrobial mouth rinse or local or systemic antibiotics are prescribed.

For more advanced cases of periodontal disease, surgical pocket reduction may be necessary. This procedure, which reduces or eliminates the pockets that have deepened followed by a cleaning of the area costs around $1,000-$3,000, although these costs may be offset if the procedure is covered under your dental insurance plan (if applicable). Additional factors that may impact the total cost of this procedure include whether dental sedation is used, and if so what type and whether antibiotics are prescribed.

If you have experienced significant loss of gum tissue or bone, a tissue or bone graft procedure may also be necessary to regenerate the tissue and bone that has been lost. The cost of this procedure averages between $600-$1,200 and will largely depend on the type of graft you have, and whether your dentist uses guided tissue regeneration as part of this procedure.

Once your periodontal issues have been addressed, it will be important to schedule regular periodontal maintenance at least every three or four months. The cost of these regular visits will average between $150-$300 depending upon the status of your periodontal health.

Prior to scheduling any procedure and/or scheduling regular periodontal maintenance, contact your provider or see if your clinic is able to work with your insurance company to determine what your anticipated out of pocket expenses will be.

Is Periodontal Maintenance Worth the Cost?

Although the cost of treating periodontal disease and committing to periodontal maintenance every three or four months is an important consideration, remember the benefits you will enjoy by making this commitment, which includes maintaining a bright, healthy smile, improving your overall oral and physical health, reducing your risk of related health issues, such as respiratory diseases, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, and avoiding the need for more expensive procedures later on, such as a tooth extraction or dental implants.

If the cost of treating periodontal issues and/or scheduling regular periodontal maintenance is of concern, ask your periodontist about financing options. Many clinics allow their patients to pay a portion of the cost of a procedure up front and then the remaining balance over a period of monthly payments.

More on Periodontal Maintenance : What is the Periodontal Maintenance Procedure?