How Much Does Periodontal Maintenance Cost?

If your dentist has recommended periodontal maintenance, one of your first questions may be how much it’s going to cost.

The short answer is that the price can vary, but periodontal maintenance generally costs more than a standard dental cleaning because it involves more detailed cleaning and monitoring of the gums. Without dental insurance, periodontal maintenance commonly costs around $140 to $220 per visit. One national estimate puts the average cost at about $167. Your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your dentist, where you live, and what is needed during the appointment.

Why does periodontal maintenance cost more than a regular cleaning?

A regular cleaning is usually done for patients with healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance is for people who have been treated for gum disease and need ongoing care to keep it under control. During periodontal maintenance, your hygienist may need to clean farther below the gumline and around deeper periodontal pockets. Your gums may also be measured so your dental team can keep track of changes over time. Because the appointment involves more than a routine cleaning, the cost is usually a little higher.

Does dental insurance cover periodontal maintenance?

Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of periodontal maintenance, but coverage varies quite a bit from one plan to another. Some plans cover periodontal maintenance at a percentage of the total cost rather than covering the entire visit. You may also have a deductible, annual maximum, or limit on how many periodontal maintenance visits are covered each year.

This is especially important because many patients need periodontal maintenance every three or four months instead of every six months. Before your appointment, your dental office can usually give you an estimate based on your insurance benefits. It’s still a good idea to remember that an estimate isn’t always a guarantee of what your insurance company will pay.

How often will I have to pay for periodontal maintenance?

Many patients have periodontal maintenance three or four times a year. Your dentist may recommend a different schedule depending on the health of your gums, how deep your periodontal pockets are, and how quickly plaque and tartar build up. That means it can be helpful to think about the yearly cost rather than just the price of one appointment. For example, if your periodontal maintenance costs $175 per visit and you come in four times a year, the total before insurance would be about $700 for the year.

Is periodontal maintenance worth the cost?

If you’ve already been treated for periodontal disease, maintenance is an important part of protecting that treatment. Gum disease can return, and it doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms right away. Keeping up with periodontal maintenance gives your dentist and hygienist a chance to remove buildup below the gumline and catch changes before they become more serious. Waiting until gum disease has progressed can also mean needing more extensive treatment later.

Ask about your cost before your appointment

There isn’t one set price for periodontal maintenance, so the easiest way to find out what you’ll pay is to ask your dental office directly. If you’ve been told you need periodontal maintenance, or you’re overdue for a visit, call our office to schedule an appointment. We can review your gum health, explain what your visit will include, and give you an estimate of your cost before treatment.

Related Article: Periodontal Maintenance vs Regular Cleaning