You’ve been told by your dentist that you need a scaling and root planing treatment. The very first thing that came to your mind was a bunch of equations with question marks. Thoughts like, “How much is this going to cost?” “Can I afford this?” “Will my wallet survive?” raced through your mind in two seconds flat.
Basically, you’re panicking. And that’s totally understandable!
Let’s put your concerns to rest. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of scaling and root planing, as well as how your dentist can help make your treatment affordable.
What IS Scaling & Root Planing? Is It Worth It?
Most of the time (if not always), scaling and root planing is well-worth the cost. It’s a gum disease treatment typically recommended when the condition is in advanced stages and harmful bacteria have infected tissue below the gumline. At this point, at-home oral hygiene efforts aren’t enough to eliminate the disease. You need professional intervention, or else gum disease will continue to spread and damage your oral tissue and bone.
They say a “stitch in time saves nine.” Think of it this way: a timely scaling and root planing treatment could save your teeth!
How Much Does Scaling & Root Planing Cost?
Moving on to more concrete numbers, the average cost of scaling and root planing in Pennsylvania is about $233 per quadrant. “Per quadrant” is very important here because it describes different “sections” of your dental lineup. In other words, depending on your situation, you may need scaling and root planing for more than one quadrant, which will impact your overall expenses.
That’s also the average for those paying out of pocket. If you have dental insurance, your dentist can submit a claim on your behalf, and your plan will likely provide partial coverage. The exact amount will depend on your policy, though, so it’s a good idea to confirm the numbers with your dentist or dental insurance provider.
How Can I Save Money on Scaling & Root Planing?
If you don’t have dental insurance, you can still save money on scaling and root planing. Many dental practices partner with third-party financiers like CareCredit, for example. If you qualify for CareCredit (and most patients do), you’ll be able to make smaller monthly payments on your treatment, rather than having to pay everything all at once.
It’s perfectly valid to panic when you hear that you need a dental treatment you weren’t anticipating. But you don’t have to be anxious for long! Scaling and root planing can be affordable, especially if you talk to your dentist about your payment options. As your care provider, they’ll be happy to help you get the treatment you need without breaking the bank.
About the Practice
Dr. Jason Herres and Dr. Vincent Votilla are skilled dentists who always strive to provide the best quality care for their patients. They accept dental insurance and work with CareCredit financing to help make sure patients of all means can get the treatments they need. To schedule an appointment or learn more about scaling and root planing, contact Dr. Herres and Dr. Votilla’s office at 717-569-3911.