How Much Does Periodontal Maintenance Cost?

Periodontal maintenance is the term for a professional cleaning provided to patients who have had periodontal work. Those who have had implants or have seen a periodontist for any treatment will have periodontal maintenance cleanings moving forward. It is intended to keep the mouth healthy and prevent periodontal disease from returning.

How much does periodontal maintenance cost?

Periodontal maintenance cleanings cost between $140 and $250 per visit. There is more involved in a periodontal cleaning than there is in a prophylactic cleaning, so the higher fee is reflected in the additional work. One thing to keep in mind is that periodontal visits are typically scheduled more frequently than regular prophylactic cleanings. A typical cleaning is every six months, but periodontal patients need to be seen for a cleaning every 3 to 4 months.

At these cleaning appointments, your hygienist will clean above and below the gum line, as well as measure the depths of your gum pockets to make sure everything is stable. If you have a particularly deep pocket measurement at one visit, they may place an antibiotic Arestin chip in the pocket to help clear any developing infection. Arestin can cost between $50 and $80 per site.

There are also dental X-rays that need to be taken periodically. Bitewing checkup X-rays are taken annually and are images of just your posterior teeth. A full set of X-rays is taken every 3 to 5 years or as needed. A full set is an imaging of your entire mouth. Bitewing X-rays cost between $50 and $120, and a full set ranges from $150 to $300.

At least once a year, your dentist will need to perform an evaluation as well. It may be necessary for them to see you at each visit or every other visit, but an annual visit is mandatory. The exam costs between $50 and $150.

The price range we have listed for each item accounts for external factors, such as the geographical location of your dental office and the expertise of your dentist. Patients in rural areas usually pay much less than those in more urban/metropolitan areas. And newer doctors often charge less than those who have been practicing for decades.

What if I have dental insurance?

Dental insurance is often helpful in alleviating some of the out-of-pocket cost for dental treatment. Most dental plans have a maximum benefit that they will pay out every year, which is typically between $1000 and $2500. It depends on your plan and what percentage of the cost of treatment it will cover, so make sure you know about your periodontal maintenance benefits so that you can plan accordingly.

Many dental offices offer either in-house financing or work with a third-party financing company so that more patients have the ability to receive excellent dental care. If the out-of-pocket cost is too much for you, speak with your dental office to see if they offer any of these types of payment plans. The cost of prevention is much less than the cost of treatment, so it is well worth the time and money to keep everything healthy.

Related Article: Periodontal Maintenance vs Regular Cleaning