Gum Disease Treatment Cost – What are the most common gum disease treatments?

The cost of gum disease treatment often depends on the combination of techniques used to treat the condition. Dr. Lauer will examine your oral health and the cost, and he will recommend the methods that will work best for you. He will provide you with a cost quote after determining the best course of treatment.

Scaling and root planning

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disorder, you may need to undergo scaling and root planing. The process will involve the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth. It is not very painful, but you should take pain relievers before and during recovery. 

Relying on the severity of the disease, you may need more than one visit to your dentist. Your dentist may split the procedure into multiple appointments or work on different parts of your mouth.

During this procedure, the hygienist will use tools to remove bacteria from the tooth root. This makes it more challenging for bacteria to stick to the tooth’s root and allows the gums to reattach. Root planing uses the same tools as scaling, but the focus is on smoothing out the rough spots. After root planing, your dentist will apply an antibiotic or disinfectant to help your gums heal.

In addition to scaling and root planing, your dentist may specify other medications to help control the infection and aid the healing process. These may include oral medications or mouth rinses. The dentist may also recommend quitting smoking or chewing tobacco. 

Once your gums have healed from scaling and root planing, you may need another appointment in three to six months to follow up on their progress. During this time, your dentist or hygienist will check the healing process and determine whether you need more treatments to eliminate the disease.

Periodontal disease involves the inflammation and infection of the gums and oral tissues surrounding the teeth. The main cause of the disease is bacterial plaque. Bacteria in this plaque causes the gums to become porous and release toxins that damage gum tissue. The bacteria then cause the gums to become infected and form periodontal pockets. If left untreated, this disease can lead to tooth loss.

Scaling and root planing is a thorough cleaning procedure performed by a dentist to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. The procedure helps reduce the inflammation caused by gum disease and the risk of reinfection. 

The procedure is usually performed over three or four visits, depending on the severity of the infection. For your comfort, your dentist may use local anaesthesia during the process. In some cases, the dentist may combine this procedure with antibiotic treatment.

Flap surgery

Flap surgery is a procedure that restores gum health by removing diseased gum tissue. However, it is not without risk. The procedure can be painful, and the roots of your teeth may become sensitive. The procedure also requires a recovery period. Patients should take prescribed medications to help them recover. They should also avoid any physical activity that will increase bleeding. Lastly, it is crucial to brush your teeth and floss regularly.

The procedure, also known as root planing and scaling, can cost a few thousand Indian rupees. In addition to gum disease, this procedure can also remove bone grafts. Flap surgery is best for people suffering from moderate to advanced forms of gum disease. People who smoke or use tobacco are not candidates for this procedure, as it increases the risk of recurrence.

Most dental insurance plans generally cover the cost of flap surgery. However, some policies have annual maximums and co-payments. Choosing an in-network periodontist will save you up to $2,000 on the procedure. Laser gum surgery is another popular procedure for treating gum disease but requires expensive equipment.

The process usually takes one to two weeks. During recovery, you should avoid chewing hard foods and do heavy exercise. After the procedure, you should follow the dentist’s instructions and avoid exposing the surgical sites to extreme temperatures. Afterward, you can start brushing and flossing your teeth.

You may have to take antibiotics and pain medication to reduce the risk of infection after the surgery.

Your dentist may also specify a special mouthwash to help heal. If your recovery period is long, you may also need to take ice packs to reduce swelling and pain. Also, you should avoid strenuous physical activities, prolonging the healing process.

Gum disease is extremely common; most adults will suffer from gingivitis at some point in their lives. Fortunately, cleaning and brushing can solve minor cases, but gum surgery may be necessary if the condition becomes more serious.

Non-surgical treatment

There are several non-surgical methods to treat gum disease. These include using antibiotics, which are available in tablet or capsule form. They are prescribed for short-term use and help to control the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. 

Another treatment is enzyme suppressants, which help to suppress the production of enzymes that damage the gums. Patients are also advised to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to control plaque.

You may require surgical gum disease treatment if the disease is advanced. Non-surgical treatments are a much simpler, less expensive, and less time-consuming way to treat this problem. Your dentist will always recommend non-surgical treatments first due to their lower risk of complications and quicker recovery.

Periodontal disease is a chronic problem that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Non-surgical treatment for gum disease is a viable option for those who cannot afford the more invasive treatment methods. This treatment is relatively inexpensive and can also stop the condition’s progression.

A non-surgical gum treatment program consists of active therapy sessions that measure gum health and promote healing. The treatment will also include irrigation to fight bacteria and instructions for home care. Patients are typically scheduled for re-evaluation appointments approximately a month after active therapy. It is an opportunity for the dentist to evaluate the treatment progress and offer a plan to maintain periodontal health.

During a non-surgical treatment for gum disease, the dentist uses a special antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection. Patients may also need to have additional appointments to deep clean the gums. After the active phase of non-surgical treatment, patients are encouraged to brush and floss their teeth at home, which will help prevent infection.

Another method of non-surgical treatment for gum disease is scaling and root planing. This treatment is similar to a hygienist’s appointment but involves removing more plaque than a hygienist does. It may be sufficient for mild to moderate gum disease, but you may need multiple visits to get an optimal result.

Dental Insurance

Most dental plans cover two cleanings and exams yearly but do not cover the cost of more complex procedures. Plans may also have a dollar limit on services and require a co-payment. The co-payment is usually expressed as a percentage of the dentist’s fee or a fixed share of the payment.

Some insurance policies also cover periodontal disease treatment costs. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment may require scaling and root planing. If the condition is diagnosed early, the procedure may be covered by your dental benefits plan. Treatment may also be billed as an additional service. 

The additional costs may include cleaning your teeth or removing excess plaque buildup. Regular check-ups are essential to keep the condition from worsening.

Some Medicare Advantage plans charge a separate monthly premium for dental benefits. These enrollees must pay the premium before the insurance kicks in. There is no data available for how many people opt for this option. However, almost three in ten Medicare Advantage enrollees paid a monthly premium in 2016, averaging $284 a year.

You may have to pay for the course if your plan does not cover gum grafting. It can be a big expense for an uninsured patient. Your insurance may also limit you to a maximum number of surgeries annually. Therefore, scheduling a single quadrant a year can be more affordable.

Another option is to use a dental discount plan. These plans are not the same as dental insurance, but they can offer deep discounts on many dental procedures. You can also use your health savings budget to cover the costs of a gum graft. However, you should shop for the best deal, as gum grafts can be costly.

Costs vary depending on the type of treatment you receive. A scaling and root planing treatment may cost between $100 and $300 per quadrant. 

It may also include x-rays and deep cleaning. In addition, you may need to pay for antibiotics and local anaesthesia. Typically, dental insurance will cover 50 percent of the cost of this procedure, but there may be a co-pay requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of gum disease treatment?

The average cost of gum disease treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the required treatment plan. However, in general, the cost of treatment can range from $50 to $500.

Are there any side effects of gum disease treatment?

Yes, there are potential side effects of gum disease treatment. Some people may experience a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity after treatment, and others may experience slight gum irritation. If you experience unusual symptoms after treatment, speak with your dentist immediately.

The Bottom Line

If you’re one of the millions of Americans with gum disease, don’t worry – plenty of treatment options are available. This article breaks down the cost and common side effects of various treatments so that you can choose the most suitable choice.