How Much Does Scaling & Root Planing Cost? Financing Options

The cost of scaling and root planing varies widely. The exact cost will depend on how extensive the procedure needs to be, who performs it, and your geographical location. Costs can range from under $100 to over $1,000.

Scaling and root planing can be at least partially covered through insurance. There are often financing options to help pay for out-of-pocket costs as well.

Scaling & root planing cost by location

Dentists can set fees for the services they provide, including scaling and root planing. It’s not uncommon to pay more in one location than you might in another. The following chart can help you understand how costs can change by geographic area. The data comes from the 2020 Survey of Dental Fees from the American Dental Association and refers to one to two teeth per quadrant.  

Specifics of Scaling & Root Planing

Gum disease is common, impacting 47.2% of the adult population, ages 30 and older, in the United States.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, occurs when tartar forms on your teeth after plaque builds up and hardens. This can extend to the base of your teeth under the gumline. When this occurs, you will need to have it cleaned out by a dental professional. This is often accomplished through scaling and root planing. Here’s what you need to know about each procedure.

Root scaling

During a root-scaling procedure, your team will take the following steps:

1.     Numb your gums with a local anesthetic.

2.     Use a curette (a hook-like tool) to remove plaque from the visible surface of your gums.

3.     Use a curette to remove plaque from pockets that dip below your gums.

4.     Use an ultrasonic instrument that vibrates to chip away plaque and tartar above and below the gums.

Root planing

Root planing often happens right after the scaling is complete, when your gums are still numb. Your team will use a sharp tool to remove rough spots on your teeth, so your gums can reattach to them.

Scaling & Root Planing Expenses

The cost of scaling and root planing generally ranges between $200 and $300 for a small area, but the final cost can vary greatly based on:

• The location of the area that needs treatment.

• The severity of the periodontal disease and extent of the treatment needed.

• The specific office and dental professional performing the procedure. Periodontists will typically be more expensive than dentists.

• Geographical area.

• Medications needed.

Scaling and root planing is a form of dental teeth cleaning. It involves going deeper than a traditional cleaning, and it is a more extensive process.

Aftercare

Depending on the severity of your gum disease, you may need more than one session of scaling and root planing to remove all the tartar. Your dentist may also need to use a local anesthetic to numb the area. If you are prone to periodontal disease, a professional deep cleaning may be recommended at least once or twice per year.

With extensive periodontal disease, medications may be placed in the pocket of your gum to be released in a controlled fashion over time. This will help to manage and treat the infection.

Your dentist will need to see you for a follow-up visit to ensure that your gums are reattaching nicely to your teeth, the swelling is going down, and the infection is under control.

Scaling & root planing cost with insurance

Dental insurance is designed to reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with your oral healthcare. While every plan is a little different, most cover treatments your doctor considers necessary for your smile. That includes scaling and root planing.

Dental insurance plans typically require a premium (or a monthly payment for your benefits). You may also be required to pay a deductible (or a percentage of treatment costs you must pay before the company will cover your bills). You may also have a copayment (or a flat fee you pay for specific services).

Before you schedule your appointment, ensure that your dentist accepts your form of insurance. Ask your dentist’s office to contact your insurance company and tell you how much you’ll pay out of pocket for your procedure.

Payment & financing options

If you don’t have insurance or your coverage isn’t extensive, you may need help paying your dental bills. Several options are available.

Alternative payment methods include the following:

• Health savings account (HSA): If you have a high-deductible health insurance plan, you can open a HSA account and put pre-tax dollars aside for qualified health expenses.

• Flexible savings accounts (FSA): Some employers offer FSAs that allow people to set aside money for healthcare expenses. You must use your FSA funds or use them.

• CareCredit: This private company provides credit cards you can use for healthcare expenses. You must make interest payments, but this can be a good choice if you have no other options.

Additional methods for financing scaling and root planing include payment plans and financing options offered by the provider specifically. Most dental and periodontal offices will have an option to spread out your payments to make scaling and root planing fit within your budget.