Gum Disease / Treatment Cost
Gum Disease

Gum disease treatment cost: what to expect

Treatment cost depends on severity and coverage. Most PPO plans cover scaling and root planing when gum disease is diagnosed, and we verify your benefits before anything is scheduled.

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Most PPO plans cover gum disease treatment
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The direct answer

What gum disease treatment typically costs

The most common gum disease treatment is scaling and root planing (SRP), a deep cleaning that removes bacteria from below the gumline. Cost is calculated per quadrant — the mouth is divided into four sections — and most full-mouth treatments involve two to four quadrants.

SRP per quadrant
$215–$275
Full-mouth SRP (4 quadrants)
$900–$1,100

These ranges reflect Edmonds Dental Care’s standard fee schedule, before any insurance adjustment. Actual costs are varied per coverage, alongside your out-of-pocket costs, which are determined by your specific plan.

Treatment scope depends on the severity of the disease. Patients with early-stage gum disease may only need one or two quadrants treated. More advanced cases typically require the full mouth.

What affects your total cost

1

Number of quadrants treated. Mild gum disease may require one or two quadrants. Moderate to advanced disease typically requires all four. The exam determines how many are needed.

2

Severity of disease. More advanced periodontitis may require additional follow-up or, in some cases, a referral to a periodontist.

3

Your insurance coverage. Most PPO plans cover SRP when gum disease is diagnosed. SRP is classified as a periodontal treatment rather than a cosmetic one, so it falls under your dental benefits. We verify your coverage before scheduling, so you know your out-of-pocket cost in advance.

4

Anesthesia. SRP is done with local anesthesia, which is included in the procedure cost. Anesthesia is only billed separately if a patient requires IV sedation or general anesthesia (“going under”), which isn’t needed for most patients.

Regular cleaning vs. deep cleaning: what’s the cost difference?

A regular cleaning is maintenance for healthy gums. A deep cleaning treats active gum disease. The key factor behind coverage is diagnosis — insurance covers SRP because it’s medically necessary, not elective.

Regular Cleaning Deep Cleaning (SRP)
What it is A maintenance procedure (prophylaxis) that removes plaque and tartar above the gumline. A treatment procedure that removes bacteria from below the gumline to address active disease.
Who it’s for Patients with healthy gums, typically twice a year. Patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease.
Typical insurance coverage Most PPO plans cover it at 100%, with no waiting period. Most PPO plans cover a portion — often 50–80% — once gum disease is diagnosed.

If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning and have PPO coverage, your out-of-pocket cost is determined per your specific PPO plan coverage.

Learn About Regular Cleaning Learn About Deep Cleaning (SRP)

How we handle cost transparency

Before scheduling gum disease treatment, we verify your insurance benefits and tell you what’s covered and what isn’t. You’ll know your estimated out-of-pocket cost before committing to an appointment. To best be sure, the clinic can also submit a pre-authorization on your behalf to ensure that coverage can be confirmed with the final treatment estimate.

If cost is a concern, we have flexible ways to pay. Cherry, CareCredit, and Clerri offer financing plans, and we have in-house dental memberships for patients without insurance. See all payment options.

Want to know your exact cost? Call us and we’ll verify your benefits.

(425) 776-8353

Common questions about cost

Most PPO plans cover scaling and root planing when gum disease is diagnosed, because it’s classified as a periodontal (medical) treatment rather than a cosmetic procedure. Coverage percentages vary by plan, typically 50 to 80% after your deductible. We verify your benefits before scheduling so you have a clear picture of what you’ll owe.

It depends on your specific plan’s coverage percentage and deductible. For a full-mouth SRP in the $900–$1,100 range, a plan covering 80% could mean an out-of-pocket cost of roughly $180–$220; a plan covering 50% might mean roughly $450–$550. We verify your actual benefits before treatment so you’re not guessing.

Treatment is still available. We have in-house dental memberships for patients without insurance, plus financing options through Cherry, CareCredit, and Clerri. Visit our insurance and financing page for details, or call us and we’ll walk you through the options.

After scaling and root planing, most patients move to a periodontal maintenance schedule, which will recommend visits every 3–4 months rather than a standard six-month cleaning. Periodontal maintenance visits run roughly $150–$305 before insurance, depending on your plan’s negotiated rate, and most PPO plans cover a portion at a different rate than regular cleanings. We’ll explain what the ongoing schedule looks like and what it costs at your treatment visit.

The cost of untreated gum disease is almost always higher in the long run. As the disease progresses, treatment becomes more complex and more expensive. If teeth are eventually lost, replacement costs — implants, bridges, partial dentures — run significantly higher than early gum disease treatment would have. Most patients find the cost reasonable, especially with insurance coverage.

Know your costs before you commit. We’ll verify your benefits first.

Call Edmonds Dental Care or book online. We check your insurance coverage upfront and walk you through your cost estimate before scheduling treatment.

Book Your Evaluation (425) 776-8353
Monday–Thursday, 8 am–5 pm 7631 212th St SW #112-C, Edmonds, WA 98026