Scaling and Root Planing Cost, Insurance and Procedure Guide

When gums become inflamed and periodontal disease begins to set in, your dentist may recommend a two-part procedure called scaling and root planing (SRP). This non-surgical, deep-cleaning treatment is designed to manage gum disease and prevent it from progressing to more severe stages that could lead to bone and tooth loss.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a dental procedure that cleans beneath the gumline to remove harmful plaque and tartar (calculus) that regular cleanings can’t reach. It treats early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, and more advanced stages, known as periodontitis.¹

Here's a breakdown of the dental procedure:²

• Scaling. In this first step, your dentist removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers or manual tools, are used to clean the deep pockets of bacteria that form between the teeth and gums.
• Root planing. This second step involves smoothing out the tooth roots. This process helps remove bacterial toxins and promotes the reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth surface, which reduces the depth of periodontal pockets and minimizes the areas where bacteria can accumulate.

Preventive vs. Therapeutic Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing may be recommended as a preventive strategy to protect teeth and gums from possible infection and decay.³ Preventive procedures are typically done on an entire set of teeth.

The procedure may also be done therapeutically to treat existing periodontal disease to prevent potential tooth and bone loss. For those with periodontal disease, therapeutic scaling and planing may be recommended two times a year or more.³

It can also be administered as needed in specific areas of the mouth called quadrants: upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right.

How Much Does Scaling and Root Planing Cost?

The national average cost* of scaling and root planing per quadrant is $242 but can range from $185 to $444.⁴

It's important to note that additional costs may include X-rays, antibiotics and follow-up care. The cost of scaling and root planing can also vary based on your geographical area, the number of teeth being treated and your dentist’s level of expertise.⁴

Average cost of scaling and root planing by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of scaling and root planing per quadrant by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.⁴

Does Dental Insurance Cover Scaling and Root Planing?

Since scaling and root planing is typically considered a medically necessary treatment for gum disease, dental insurance usually covers around 50% of the cost.⁵

To get insurance coverage for this procedure, your dentist may have to provide proof to your insurance company of the procedure's necessity. Usually, X-rays or other diagnostic tests that demonstrate inflammation or damage is sufficient for this purpose.⁶

Your insurer may limit how often you can have a scaling and root planing procedure done. If you have dental insurance, check with your specific provider to find out what your out-of-pocket costs may be.

What to Expect During Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing may be performed in a single treatment or over multiple appointments depending on the severity of the gum disease and the number of areas that need to be treated.⁷

Preparation

Your dentist will evaluate the extent of your gum disease with an initial examination and diagnosis. They could measure pocket depth around each tooth or take X-rays to assess bone loss.⁷

Procedure

To minimize discomfort and ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible, a local anesthetic is usually administered to numb the treatment area.⁷ The dentist will remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers which use vibrations and water to break up and flush out tartar.⁷ Manual scalers may be used to scrape out accumulated calculus.⁸

After scaling, the rough surfaces of the tooth roots are smoothed to discourage bacteria from recolonizing under the gumline and to encourage healing.⁷

Recovery

After the procedure, you may experience some tenderness, mild bleeding or swelling and sensitivity in your gums for about two days.⁸ Your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your gums.⁸ This includes recommendations for gentle brushing and using an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infection.⁷ They may also prescribe medications to manage any swelling or discomfort if necessary.⁸

Patients should also avoid smoking; eating salty, spicy or sugary foods that may irritate the gums; and refrain from alcohol for approximately two weeks to give the mouth adequate time to heal.⁸

Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your gum health and ensure the disease is under control.⁷

If you suspect you have gum disease or have been experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth, consult with your dentist to see if scaling and root planing is the right treatment for you. With proper care and professional intervention, you can maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scaling and Root Planing

Do you still have questions about scaling and root planing? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about the procedure.

Financing Scaling and Root Planing With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting scaling and root planing or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, personal finance and real estate/investing.