{"id":409,"date":"2023-04-15T12:56:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-15T12:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wacofamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=409"},"modified":"2025-08-04T17:07:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T17:07:31","slug":"cost-of-scaling-and-root-planing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wacofamilydental.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/15\/cost-of-scaling-and-root-planing\/","title":{"rendered":"Scaling and Root Planing: How Much Will It Cost?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If your dentist finds that you have gum disease, scaling and root planing<\/a> (SRP for short) will likely be their first choice for addressing it. The treatment helps get rid of plaque and tartar hiding below the gumline, and it makes it easier for the gums to successfully reattach to the roots of the teeth. But how much will SRP cost? The answer isn\u2019t exactly the same for each patient, so here\u2019s an overview of what you can generally expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Does Scaling and Root Planing Typically Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On average, the cost of SRP usually falls in the range of $200 to $300. However, this is very much not set in stone; the amount you pay for your own treatment could be lower or higher depending on the circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can Affect the Cost of Scaling and Root Planing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest factors is the type of SRP being performed. Sometimes it\u2019s used as a preventive measure while in other cases it\u2019s therapeutic. The cost of a preventive treatment depends on how many quadrants of the mouth are involved in the procedure; with a therapeutic treatment, you\u2019ll be charged for the whole mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, your dentist might need to perform a number of other services in addition to SRP. For example, an examination is typically required to confirm the presence of gum disease. Also, antibiotic therapy may be prescribed to help get rid of bacteria that might still be in the mouth after your treatment. Each additional service will have a cost of its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will Your Dental Insurance Help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have dental insurance, you may be able to use it to lower your out-of-pocket costs for SRP. Most insurance plans will offer around 50% coverage for the treatment. The details of your policy may vary based on who your insurance carrier is, so don\u2019t forget to double-check your benefits before you commit to having SRP performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Avoid Needing Scaling and Root Planing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you won\u2019t have to worry about the cost of SRP if you can avoid needing it in the first place. To keep your smile free of gum disease, be sure to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Floss daily to get rid of plaque and food between your teeth. For the best results, it\u2019s recommended that you floss before brushing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Give up smoking. It\u2019s well known by this point that smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Use fluoride-based toothpaste. The properties of fluoride help kill the bacteria that can cause gum disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Visit your dentist two times a year for a checkup and cleaning. They\u2019ll be able to identify gum disease early on and treat it before it can become a serious problem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    It always pays to be proactive when it comes to the health of your gums. If for any reason you think you may need SRP for gum disease, talk to your dentist; they can help determine if the procedure is necessary and give you an estimate of how much it will likely cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    About the Author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Dr. Theresa Lassetter earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry. Today, she brings Waco patients comprehensive dental care in order to help them meet and exceed their smile goals. With scaling and root planing, she can treat advanced cases of gum diseases. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lassetter at Heart of Texas Smiles, visit her website<\/a> or call (254) 848-0240.<\/p>\n\n\n