Gum disease is very common! In fact, nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease at one stage or another. This percentage increases with age. Fortunately, by taking excellent care of your smile at home and seeing your dentist for regular visits, you can prevent gum disease from developing and even reverse its early stages. Scaling and root planing is a common treatment option for addressing gum disease. Read on to learn more about how it works and its cost.
Who Needs Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is comprised of two parts. Scaling is when your dentist uses dental tools to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gumline. They will clean to the bottom of all of the pockets. For the root planing portion of the procedure, your dentist smooths out the roots of the affected teeth to help your gums reattach. These two parts are generally completed in two visits.
What Is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is comprised of two parts. Scaling is when your dentist uses dental tools to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and blow the gumline. They will clean to the bottom of all the pockets. For the root planing portion of the procedure, your dentist smooths out the roots of the affected teeth to help your gums reattach. These two parts are usually complete in two visits.
How Much Does Scaling & Root Planing Cost?
There are multiple factors that play a role in the cost of scaling and root planing. The main one is the number of teeth that need to be addressed during your treatment. The cost can range anywhere from $150 to $450 depending on the severity of your gum disease. If you have dental insurance, you might receive partial coverage. If you don’t have dental insurance and are concerned about the cost of your treatment, talk to your dental team about your options. When you address the root of the problem now, you can save yourself from more severe issues in the future.
Scaling and root planing can make a significant difference in the health of your gums. By investing in your gum health, you can save time, discomfort, and money in the future.
About the Author
Dr. Chung Chien Hsia earned his dental doctorate from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He has taken a maxicourse through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. To learn more about scaling and root planing or to schedule an appointment at his office in Richardson, visit his website or call (214) 432-1133.
