Scale and Root Planing Cost

There are many elements that may go into a scale and root planing procedure. At first let’s look at why you might need such a procedure, the procedure itself and the options through the procedure based on the condition of your mouth.

Why do you need Scale and Root Planing?

Each of us every day are generating plaque in our mouths. A sticky substance that adheres to the teeth the plaque collects the bacteria, sugars and acids that are always present in our mouth. If allowed to remain on the tooth the plaque attacks the enamel immediately resulting in cavities. Therefore, the health industry strongly suggests you brush twice a day. It’s to keep up with the plaque by removing it daily. If you do not or do a poor job brushing the plaque will end up under the gum line. Now the plaque immediately infects the soft tissue of the gum resulting in gum disease. If you have allowed this to happen the only way to stop gum disease is to eliminate the cause, that being the plaque on your teeth below the gum line. This is essentially what deep scaling and root planing is.

The Scale and Root Planing Procedure and the Costs Involved

A traditional teeth cleaning can begin at $75 to $200. This is something you should have done twice a year. If you have not, then that may be the initial step to your deeper scaling. The same hand tool is used to manually scrape the plaque off each tooth. Sometimes an ultrasonic tool might be used with a vibrating head that will chip away the plaque and the stubborn tartar. There may have been x-rays taken to see the damage under the surface. That might add $25 to $250. If the work is tedious it might be necessary to numb the soft tissue with a local anesthetic. This addition starts at $300. Again, if your case is extreme it might be beneficial to add antibiotic injections to help the healing process. This could run $30 to $90 per tooth. So, when it is all said and done the scaling and root planing procedure can cost as little as $400 and run up to $4,000 for your entire mouth.

The Benefit of Scale and Root Planing

Gum disease is nasty. From initial swelling to sagging away from the teeth to discoloring in color to very tender to the touch, almost half of the adults in America suffer from some level of gum disease. All preventable by simply taking more time at home with your oral hygiene. The benefit of the procedure is quite simply, the best way to reverse gum disease. Once completed it is a reset point to practice good habits at home. Then plan on scheduling an examination with your dentist twice a year. X-rays can help you continue to be proactive as well as a professional teeth cleaning. Your teeth, your gums, and most importantly, your smile, will all be grateful that you are taking such small methodical steps in taking care of your mouth.

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