How Much Does Periodontal Maintenance Cost?
Periodontal maintenance costs depend on the severity of your disease‚ how well your teeth and gums are responding to treatment‚ and how often you need professional cleanings or other treatments․ Periodontal maintenance is designed to prevent gum disease from getting worse․ It includes more thorough cleaning and inspection than a typical dental cleaning․ The cost for periodontal maintenance can vary, but the dentist’s office is likely the best source to obtain a specific estimate․
The cost of your periodontal maintenance appointments depends on a variety of factors․ First and foremost, the severity of your periodontal disease is a major determining factor because the condition of your gums following prior periodontal treatments will determine your level of care․ If your gums are stable‚ your maintenance visits may be relatively simple․ However‚ deeper pockets‚ tartar, or localized inflammation will require special attention․
The type of professional cleaning the patient needs also affects the cost․ A prophy cleaning is an appointment where plaque and tartar above the gumline are removed‚ whereas periodontal maintenance includes cleaning below the gumline on teeth with gum disease․ Your hygienist uses specialized instruments to clean these areas‚ helping to remove tartar and plaque that regular brushing and flossing may have missed․
Your schedule of recommended appointments is another factor․ For example‚ if a patient has a history of periodontal disease‚ they may need to see the dentist for more frequent check-ups every three to four months․ While you may have more dental costs on a yearly basis‚ an extra appointment or two is less expensive than extensive periodontal treatment in the future․
Dental insurance policy coverage can affect your out of pocket costs․ Depending on a dental plan‚ periodontal maintenance might be covered differently than a standard cleaning․ Some plans also limit the number of cleanings allowed each year‚ require waiting periods‚ and may have deductibles․ You should check with your insurance company or ask the dental office team members help you check your benefits before your appointment to better plan for any costs․
If you do not have dental insurance‚ some offices offer payment plans or membership plans that cover periodic treatment․ Confirm with your dental office what options are available‚ and understand what your treatment will cost before it begins․
However, the time and cost of one appointment pales in comparison to what it may cost to maintain the health of your gums. Periodontal disease‚ which can destroy the tissues and bone that support teeth‚ may result in the need for scaling and root planing‚ periodontal surgery‚ laser treatments, and even the replacement of teeth that are too damaged or loose․
Remember that periodontal maintenance is a part of your continuing cost of good oral health․ Regular visits to your dentist or periodontist allow them to carefully monitor the change in your gums and catch problems early when they are easier to control․ Your dentist may also adjust your treatment schedule as your periodontal condition improves․
If you have more questions about periodontal maintenance or how it could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if periodontal maintenance is a part of the best treatment plan for you.
Related Article: Periodontal Maintenance vs Regular Cleaning