Short answer
Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, costs more than a regular cleaning because it treats active gum disease below the gumline, takes longer, uses local anesthetic and is usually done one section of the mouth at a time. A regular cleaning is preventive care for healthy gums. Your cost depends mainly on how many areas need treatment, and we give you a written estimate before we start.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and scaling and root planing?
A regular cleaning is maintenance. It is for gums that are healthy or only mildly irritated, and it removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and just at the gumline.
Scaling and root planing is treatment. It is recommended when gum disease has created pockets between the gums and teeth and tartar has built up on the roots below the gumline. Scaling removes that buildup, and root planing smooths the root surfaces so bacteria have a harder time sticking and the gums can tighten back around the teeth.
| Regular cleaning | Scaling and root planing | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevention for healthy gums | Treatment for periodontitis |
| Where it cleans | Tooth surfaces and at the gumline | Deep below the gumline, on the roots |
| Numbing | Usually not needed | Local anesthetic, as needed |
| Visits | One appointment | Usually split into two or more visits by section of the mouth |
| How often | Typically twice a year | Once to bring active disease under control, then maintenance visits |
| Insurance category | Usually preventive | Usually basic or periodontal treatment |
| Our self-pay pricing | Included in our $179 new-patient exam, X-rays and basic cleaning (see prices) | Written estimate based on how many areas need treatment |
Why does scaling and root planing cost more?
The price difference reflects the work involved, not an upgrade. Treating disease below the gumline takes more time, more detailed instrument work and usually local anesthetic. It is often spread over more than one appointment so each area gets careful attention and you stay comfortable.
What affects the cost of scaling and root planing?
- How many sections need it: the mouth is divided into four quadrants. Dental fee schedules and insurance plans usually count treatment per quadrant, and by whether one to three teeth or four or more teeth in that quadrant need it.
- How advanced the disease is: deeper pockets and heavier buildup take longer to treat.
- Exam and X-rays: we need current X-rays and gum measurements to diagnose periodontitis before treatment.
- Follow-up care: after treatment, you will need periodontal maintenance visits, which are part of the long-term cost.
- Your insurance: deductibles, coverage percentages and yearly maximums all change what you pay.
For a deeper look at these factors, see what determines the cost of scaling and root planing.
How do you know if you need a deep cleaning instead of a regular one?
At your exam, we measure the space between each tooth and the gum with a small probe and look at X-rays for bone loss. Shallow, healthy readings mean a regular cleaning is right. Deeper pockets, bleeding, tartar on the roots and bone loss point to periodontitis, and a regular cleaning can’t reach that far. Learn more about the signs of gum disease.
How long does scaling and root planing take?
It depends on how many areas need treatment and how much buildup there is. Most people have it done over two or more visits, often one side of the mouth at a time, so each visit is manageable. We will tell you how many appointments to plan for when we go over your treatment plan, and Saturday appointments are available if weekdays are hard.
What happens after scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is not something you repeat every six months. After treatment, we recheck your gums once they have had time to heal. From there, most people move to periodontal maintenance visits, often every 3 to 4 months. These visits clean deeper than a routine cleaning and usually cost more than one, but they help keep the disease from coming back.
Can you just keep getting regular cleanings instead?
Regular cleanings can’t treat periodontitis because they don’t reach the tartar and bacteria deep in the pockets. Putting off treatment may save money now, but the infection keeps working on the bone that holds your teeth. That can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss, and replacing teeth costs far more than treating gum disease early.
Does insurance cover scaling and root planing?
Most dental plans cover routine cleanings as preventive care, often at a high percentage. Scaling and root planing is usually covered too, but often at a lower percentage and after your deductible. Plans may also limit how often it is covered. We accept most PPO plans and verify your benefits before your visit. Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits may cover gum treatment; Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care. See our insurance page for details. In-network plans include MetLife, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare.
If you are paying yourself, you can spread the cost with Cherry, Sunbit or CareCredit, and FSA or HSA funds can be used for treatment. See our payment plans.
When to call us
Call us if your gums bleed often, look red or swollen, are pulling away from your teeth, or if a tooth feels loose. If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning and want a clear written estimate, we can review your X-rays and benefits with you. Call (832) 612-2831 — we’re open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm. You can also book online.
Frequently asked questions
We numb the areas being treated with a local anesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. Gums can be tender and teeth a little sensitive for a few days afterward.
A regular cleaning only cleans to the gumline, so it doesn’t treat the infection below it. If you have periodontitis, scaling and root planing is the appropriate treatment first.
No. Periodontal maintenance cleans below the gumline and checks your pocket depths at each visit. It is usually scheduled more often than routine cleanings and costs more than one.
No, because the cost depends on how many quadrants need treatment. After your exam and X-rays, we give you a written estimate and check what your insurance will pay.
Sources
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different — the right treatment for you depends on an exam.