Gum Disease Got You Down? Here’s the Real Deal on Treatment Costs

Understanding the True Cost of Gum Health

Periodontal gum disease treatment cost varies widely based on the severity of your condition and the type of treatment needed. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or receding gum lines, you’re not alone. Nearly 48% of Americans over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease. The condition starts with bacteria-filled plaque that hardens into tartar, gradually destroying the supporting structures of your teeth.

Many patients delay treatment because they worry about costs. But understanding what influences pricing can help you make informed decisions about your oral health and avoid much higher expenses down the road.

I’m Dr. Parisa Sepehri, and I’ve spent over 30 years helping patients steer periodontal gum disease treatment costs while providing personalized care plans that balance effectiveness with affordability. My practice focuses on early intervention and prevention strategies that can significantly reduce your long-term dental expenses.

What Is Periodontal Disease & Why It Matters

Did you know that tiny bacteria in your mouth could lead to big health problems? Periodontal disease starts innocently enough—with plaque, that sticky film that forms on your teeth after eating. This bacterial playground releases toxins that irritate your gums, causing inflammation that’s just the beginning of a potentially serious condition.

When left untreated, what begins as mild gingivitis (those red, puffy gums you might notice when brushing) progresses into periodontitis—a much more serious infection that attacks the very foundations of your smile. The disease gradually destroys gum tissue, the ligaments holding your teeth in place, and eventually even your jawbone.

“The thought of having periodontal disease scares many people. The cost of the treatment alone may have you questioning it,” shared one of our patients who initially put off seeking help. “But I found that addressing it early actually saved me thousands compared to what my neighbor paid after waiting until his teeth became loose.”

The impact of periodontal disease reaches far beyond your smile. Research from the Mayo Clinic has established clear connections between gum disease and serious health conditions including:

Heart disease and stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory illnesses, pregnancy complications, and even rheumatoid arthritis. Your mouth truly is a window to your overall health.

Perhaps most concerning is that periodontal disease remains the leading cause of adult tooth loss in developed countries. And when you compare costs, preventing or treating gum disease early is significantly less expensive than replacing lost teeth—making the periodontal gum disease treatment cost a wise investment in both your smile and your overall wellbeing.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Catching periodontal disease early can save you discomfort, teeth, and money. Here are the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore:

Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing might seem minor, but even slight bleeding isn’t normal. It’s often the first sign that bacteria are causing inflammation. Persistent bad breath that lingers despite brushing and mouthwash can indicate bacteria multiplying below your gumline.

Notice your teeth looking longer? Receding gums pull away from teeth as the disease progresses. You might also experience red, swollen, or tender gums that feel uncomfortable when touched.

Advanced symptoms include pus between teeth and gums, loose or shifting teeth, changes in how your teeth fit together when biting, and pain when chewing—all signs that require immediate attention.

“I ignored my bleeding gums for months thinking I was just brushing too hard,” explains Sarah, who visits our Tigard office regularly now. “By the time I came in, what could have been treated with a simple cleaning required scaling and root planing in all four quadrants. My advice? Don’t wait until it hurts—that’s when the treatment costs really start to climb.”

Want to learn more about identifying these warning signs? Visit our detailed guide to gum disease symptoms.

Non-Surgical vs Surgical Treatment Paths

When it comes to treating periodontal disease, we have two main approaches at PS Dental: non-surgical and surgical interventions. The right path for you depends on how advanced your condition is, the extent of damage, and your overall health.

Non-Surgical Treatments are our first line of defense:

The cornerstone of early treatment is scaling and root planing—what we often call a “deep cleaning.” Unlike your regular cleaning, this thorough procedure removes plaque and tartar both above and below your gumline. We carefully smooth rough spots on tooth roots where bacteria love to gather. This typically costs $100-$400 per quadrant and can halt disease progression when caught early.

Sometimes we’ll complement this with antibiotic therapy—topical or oral medications that help control infection and reduce pocket depth. These might include special mouth rinses or tiny antibiotic fibers placed directly into deeper pockets. These treatments generally add $75-$150 per application.

When non-surgical approaches aren’t enough, we may recommend Surgical Treatments:

Flap surgery (also called pocket reduction) becomes necessary when deep pockets persist after scaling and root planing. We gently lift back your gums, remove tartar deposits, and secure the tissue to fit more snugly around your teeth. This more involved procedure typically costs $1,000-$3,000.

For areas where gums have receded, gum grafts can cover exposed roots, reducing sensitivity and improving appearance. Tissue is carefully taken from your palate or another source and attached to the affected area. Each tooth typically costs $600-$1,200 to treat.

When bone loss has occurred, bone grafting encourages new bone growth. Materials may come from your own body, donors, or synthetic sources, with costs ranging from $800-$3,000 per site.

For patients seeking less invasive options, LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) uses laser technology to remove diseased tissue and bacteria without cutting the gums. This advanced treatment costs $1,250-$3,000 per quadrant or $5,000-$12,000 for full-mouth treatment.

And if you’ve already lost teeth to advanced disease, dental implants provide a permanent replacement option at $3,000-$6,000 per tooth including the crown.

At PS Dental in Tigard, Dr. Sepehri carefully evaluates each case to recommend the most conservative effective treatment before considering more involved surgical options. We believe in preserving your natural teeth whenever possible, while keeping your comfort and budget in mind.

For a comprehensive overview of all available treatment options, check out our complete guide to periodontal therapy and treatment options.

Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment Cost: From Deep Cleanings to Implants

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – what’s this going to cost you? Understanding the financial side of periodontal treatment helps you plan ahead and avoid that pit-in-your-stomach feeling when the bill arrives. I’ve broken down what you can typically expect to pay across the United States and our neighbors to the north.

When it comes to periodontal gum disease treatment cost, the price varies widely based on what your mouth needs. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) might run you $100-$400 per quadrant in the US, totaling $400-$1,600 for your whole mouth. Our Canadian friends typically pay CAD $190-$400 per quadrant, or about CAD $760-$1,600 for full-mouth treatment.

If you need gum graft surgery, prepare for $600-$1,200 per tooth stateside, or CAD $800-$1,600 in Canada. Flap surgery (also called pocket reduction) jumps to $1,000-$3,000 for multiple teeth in the US and CAD $1,200-$3,500 north of the border.

For those considering newer technologies, LANAP laser treatment runs $1,250-$3,000 per quadrant ($5,000-$12,000 for full mouth) in the US, while Canadians pay CAD $1,500-$3,500 per quadrant (up to CAD $14,000 for full mouth).

Bone grafting – often needed when periodontal disease has damaged your jawbone – costs $800-$3,000 per site in the US (the ADA reports about $613 for the first site and $448 for each additional site). In Canada, expect CAD $300-$1,600 per site.

“When I first saw my treatment plan, I nearly fainted,” jokes Mark, one of our patients from Beaverton. “But Dr. Sepehri walked me through why each procedure was necessary and how we could phase the treatment to make it more affordable. Two years later, I still have all my teeth – and that’s priceless.”

If you’ve already lost teeth to periodontal disease, dental implants will set you back $2,000-$6,000 per tooth in the US (including the crown) or CAD $3,000-$6,000 in Canada.

Don’t forget about ongoing care – periodontal maintenance visits run $100-$200 every 3-4 months in the US, or CAD $120-$230 in Canada. These regular check-ups are crucial for protecting your investment.

Average U.S. & Canadian Price Ranges

The American Dental Association’s 2020 survey gives us some helpful national averages:

A comprehensive periodontal evaluation typically costs $128, while flap surgery for up to three teeth averages $1,138. Soft tissue grafts run about $1,225 for the first tooth and $835 for each additional one. Bone grafting averages $613 plus $448 for each additional site, and a dental implant (just the implant, not the crown) costs around $2,337.

These figures are just averages – where you live makes a big difference. At Aspen Dental, for example, periodontal treatment averages $349 per quadrant, with prices ranging from $186 to $418 based on their internal data.

Across the border in Canada, Wheatland Dental reports scaling and root planing costs of CAD $190-$400 per quadrant, with full-mouth treatment ranging from CAD $760-$1,600.

For complex cases needing multiple procedures, periodontal gum disease treatment cost can range dramatically from $7,000 to $90,000. This huge range reflects the difference between treating moderate periodontitis with non-surgical methods versus advanced cases requiring multiple surgeries and implants.

“Two patients might come in with seemingly similar symptoms,” explains Dr. Sepehri, “but after examination, we might find very different treatment needs based on bone loss patterns, genetic factors, and other health conditions. That’s why we never quote prices without a thorough evaluation first.”

Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment Cost With & Without Insurance

Your final bill will look dramatically different depending on whether you have dental insurance. Here’s the breakdown:

With insurance, you’ve got some backup. Most dental plans cover between 50-100% of periodontal treatment costs. Preventive care like regular cleanings is typically covered at 80-100%, while basic procedures like scaling and root planing might be covered at 70-80%. Major procedures and surgical interventions usually get covered at 50%.

That most dental insurance plans have annual maximums between $1,000-$2,000, and new policies might have waiting periods before covering periodontal treatment (though some plans offer no waiting period).

Here’s what this looks like in real life: If you need full-mouth scaling and root planing costing $1,600, with a 20% coinsurance you’d pay $320 out-of-pocket. With 50% coinsurance, that jumps to $800 from your pocket.

Without insurance, you’re looking at the full cost. The average out-of-pocket expense for periodontal treatment ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, with complex cases requiring surgery and implants easily exceeding $10,000.

“I was between jobs when I finded I needed extensive periodontal work,” shares Linda, who visits our Tigard office. “I was panicking about the cost, but Dr. Sepehri’s team helped me prioritize the most critical treatments first and set up a payment plan. They even suggested CareCredit, which gave me 12 months interest-free to pay it off.”

Here’s an interesting tip – some medical insurance plans may help cover periodontal treatment costs because of the well-established links between gum disease and conditions like diabetes and heart disease. At PS Dental, we help our patients explore all possible coverage options.

For more information about insurance coverage for periodontal disease, the American Dental Association offers helpful resources worth checking out.

What Makes Treatment Cheaper—Or Pricier?

Understanding the factors that influence periodontal gum disease treatment costs can help you make informed decisions and potentially save you money. Let’s look at what really drives the price tag on your treatment plan:

Disease Severity
The stage of your gum disease dramatically impacts what you’ll pay. Catching things early can be a real money-saver. A simple professional cleaning for early gingivitis might run you just $50-$75, while advanced periodontitis could lead to multiple surgeries costing thousands.

“I tell my patients all the time—the difference between treating early-stage versus advanced periodontal disease can be tenfold in terms of cost,” says Dr. Sepehri. “Those regular check-ups aren’t just about keeping your smile pretty—they’re protecting your wallet too.”

Number of Teeth Affected
Think of your mouth in quarters (dentists call them quadrants). Most treatments are priced per tooth or per quadrant, so naturally, more affected teeth means a bigger bill. Having just a few problem teeth in one area keeps costs manageable, while full-mouth involvement will stretch your budget considerably.

Geographic Location
Living in or near a big city? You’ll likely pay more. Urban practices like those in Portland typically charge 20-30% more than those in smaller Oregon communities due to higher rent and operating costs. It’s not uncommon for the exact same procedure to cost hundreds more in a metropolitan area.

Provider Expertise and Qualifications
Just like you’d expect to pay more for a specialist in any field, periodontists (gum specialists) generally charge more than general dentists. Their additional years of specialized training often deliver better outcomes for complex cases, though. At PS Dental in Tigard, we offer specialized periodontal care at rates that won’t make you faint when you see the bill.

Technology and Techniques Used
Modern treatments like LANAP laser therapy cost more upfront but might save you money in the long run with faster healing and fewer follow-up visits. Traditional surgical approaches typically have a lower initial price tag but often come with longer recovery times and more maintenance appointments.

Sedation Options
Nervous about your procedure? Conscious sedation or general anesthesia adds $200-$500 to your bill but makes extensive treatments much more comfortable. For many anxious patients, this is money well spent for peace of mind.

One of our patients, Robert from Tigard, had quite the eye-opening experience: “I shopped around and got quotes from three different providers for my periodontal treatment. The prices varied by almost $2,000! When I asked why, I learned that the higher-priced office used microscope-improved techniques for better precision and included all my follow-up visits in their fee. The others charged separately for those visits, which would have actually made them more expensive in the long run.”

Hidden Fees & Add-Ons to Expect

When budgeting for your gum treatment, watch out for these potential extras that might not appear in that initial estimate:

Diagnostic Procedures
That comprehensive periodontal exam ($100-$250) and full-mouth X-rays ($85-$250) are essential starting points but add to your total. More advanced imaging like 3D scans can run $250-$600.

Pre-Treatment Requirements
If you have excessive buildup, you might need a full-mouth debridement before actual treatment can begin, adding $75-$150. Some patients with heart conditions or joint replacements need antibiotic premedication ($15-$50).

Procedure Improvements
While local anesthesia is usually included, conscious sedation adds $200-$500. Newer options like platelet-rich plasma therapy to improve healing can add $500-$1,000.

Post-Treatment Care
Don’t forget to budget for prescription antibiotics ($20-$100), pain medications ($10-$50), special mouth rinses ($15-$30), and those all-important follow-up visits ($50-$150 each).

“There’s nothing worse than surprise fees,” Dr. Sepehri emphasizes. “At PS Dental, we believe in transparent pricing. We’ll provide a comprehensive treatment plan that includes all anticipated costs before we begin, so you know exactly what to expect.”

Ways to Reduce Your Bill Today

Worried about affording your treatment? Here are practical ways to manage periodontal gum disease treatment costs:

Consider dental schools for significant savings. Places like Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry in Portland offer supervised care at 30-50% less than private practices. The treatment takes longer but can save you hundreds.

Ask about membership plans like the ones we offer at PS Dental. These in-house plans provide discounts on periodontal treatments without the limitations and annual maximums of traditional insurance.

Stage your treatment over time if you have extensive needs. Breaking treatment into phases helps spread out costs and gives your budget time to recover between procedures. We often help patients prioritize treating the most severely affected areas first to prevent further damage while saving up for remaining work.

Take advantage of tax benefits by using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). These can effectively reduce your treatment cost by 20-30% depending on your tax bracket—like getting a nice discount just for planning ahead.

Be diligent with home care. Following Dr. Sepehri’s recommendations for brushing, flossing, and using prescribed rinses can significantly reduce the need for additional treatments and maintenance visits. Your effort at home translates directly to savings.

Quit smoking if you currently do. Smokers typically require more extensive and frequent periodontal treatments. Quitting improves treatment outcomes and substantially reduces long-term costs (not to mention the money saved on cigarettes!).

Melissa, one of our patients, shared her experience: “When I saw the $4,800 estimate for my full-mouth periodontal treatment, I nearly fell out of the dental chair! But Dr. Sepehri worked with me to create a phased approach, treating the worst areas first while I implemented an aggressive home care routine. This approach saved me almost $1,000 and made the payments manageable over time. Plus, my improved home care meant less extensive treatment was needed in some areas.”

The most expensive dental treatment is the one you postpone until it becomes an emergency. Early intervention is almost always the most cost-effective approach to periodontal gum disease treatment.

Paying & Saving: Insurance, Financing & Smart Prevention

Let’s talk about something we all care about—keeping more money in your pocket while still getting the care you need. Navigating payment options for periodontal treatment doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle blindfolded. With a little know-how, you can make informed choices that work for your health and your wallet.

Most of our patients at PS Dental use one of two main insurance types. PPO plans typically give you more freedom to choose your provider (like us!) but come with higher monthly premiums. The good news? They usually cover 50-80% of periodontal treatments after you’ve met your deductible. HMO plans, on the other hand, cost less each month but limit which dentists you can see. Coverage for gum disease treatment varies widely with these plans, so it’s always worth checking the details.

Don’t have traditional insurance? Dental discount plans might be worth exploring. While they’re not insurance, they provide reduced fees for services including periodontal treatments. At our Tigard office, we accept most major dental insurance plans and genuinely enjoy helping patients maximize their benefits.

Those pesky waiting periods can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. Many dental insurance plans won’t cover major procedures, including periodontal surgery, until you’ve been enrolled for 6-12 months. The silver lining? Some carriers offer plans with no waiting periods for preventive and basic services, so you can get some care right away.

One of our patients, Jason, shared his experience: “When I switched jobs and got new insurance, I was devastated to learn about the 12-month waiting period for periodontal coverage. Dr. Sepehri helped me identify which treatments could be classified as diagnostic or preventive under my new plan, allowing me to address some issues immediately while developing a strategy for the procedures that had to wait.”

When it comes to payment timing, most dental practices (including ours) require payment when services are provided, though we’ll bill your insurance directly and only collect your estimated portion. For extensive treatment plans, you might pay in stages as procedures are completed, making the financial impact more manageable.

For more details about our approach to periodontal therapy and payment options, visit our periodontal therapy page.

Navigating Dental Insurance Fine Print

The devil really is in the details when it comes to dental insurance. Understanding these nuances can save you hundreds—even thousands—on your periodontal gum disease treatment cost.

Did you know that dental procedures are categorized using specific codes that determine coverage levels? For example, procedure D4341 (scaling and root planing for four or more teeth per quadrant) is typically covered as a basic service at 70-80%. Meanwhile, D4260 (osseous surgery for four or more teeth per quadrant) is usually classified as a major procedure covered at only 50%. Understanding these distinctions helps you have more productive conversations with both your dentist and insurance provider.

Many insurers require pre-authorization for periodontal procedures, especially surgical interventions. Skip this step, and you might find yourself with a denied claim and a much larger bill than expected.

“We always submit pre-treatment estimates to insurance companies for our patients requiring extensive periodontal work,” explains Dr. Sepehri. “This gives them clarity about their financial responsibility before treatment begins. No one likes financial surprises—especially when it comes to healthcare.”

Be aware of frequency limitations too. Insurance plans often restrict how often certain procedures can be performed:

• Scaling and root planing is usually covered once per quadrant every 24 months
• Periodontal maintenance visits are typically limited to 2-4 per year
• Full-mouth debridement is generally covered only once every 12-36 months

Most dental insurance plans cap annual benefits at $1,000-$2,000, which periodontal treatment can quickly exhaust. A helpful tip? Strategic scheduling of procedures across calendar years can help maximize your coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Financing Options When Insurance Falls Short

When your insurance coverage isn’t enough—or you don’t have insurance at all—several financing solutions can help make periodontal treatment more affordable.

CareCredit has become a popular option among our patients. This healthcare-specific credit line offers promotional 0% interest periods (typically 6-24 months) for qualified applicants. Similar options include LendingClub, which provides fixed-rate loans with transparent terms, and Alphaeon Credit, which specializes in financing for dental procedures.

Here at PS Dental in Tigard, we believe that finances shouldn’t stand between you and a healthy mouth. That’s why we offer flexible in-house payment arrangements for qualified patients. These plans allow you to spread treatment costs over 3-12 months, often without interest. We’ve seen how this option has made necessary care accessible for many local families.

An often-overlooked possibility? Your medical insurance might cover aspects of periodontal treatment when it relates to managing systemic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. This requires proper documentation and coding by your dental office, but it’s worth exploring if you have these health conditions.

Some patients consider traveling to locations like Mexico for lower-cost periodontal care. While savings can be substantial (often 50-70%), we gently caution our patients to thoroughly research providers, understand follow-up care limitations, and consider potential complications that might require additional treatment upon return.

Thomas, a former patient, shared his experience: “After being quoted $8,500 for full-mouth periodontal surgery, I considered traveling to Mexico where the same treatment was offered for $3,200. But after calculating travel costs and realizing I’d have no recourse if complications arose, I decided to work with PS Dental on a phased treatment plan with financing that ultimately made staying local the smarter choice.”

Prevention Still Beats Payment — Daily Habits That Save Thousands

I’m going to let you in on a dental professional’s secret: the most cost-effective approach to periodontal disease isn’t finding the cheapest treatment—it’s preventing the need for treatment altogether. These evidence-based practices can save you thousands in treatment costs:

Brushing properly, twice daily is your first line of defense. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and brush for a full two minutes each time. Electric toothbrushes have been shown to reduce plaque more effectively than manual brushing, making them a worthy investment for many patients.

Flossing daily removes plaque in areas your toothbrush simply can’t reach. If traditional floss feels like a struggle, water flossers provide an effective and sometimes more comfortable alternative.

Using antibacterial mouth rinse can reduce bacterial levels between cleanings. Some therapeutic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine require prescriptions, while others with essential oils are available over-the-counter.

Quitting tobacco products might be the single most impactful change you can make for your gum health. Smoking increases periodontal disease risk by 2-6 times and significantly reduces treatment effectiveness. We’ve seen remarkable improvements in patients who take this difficult but rewarding step.

Maintaining regular dental visits ensures that hardened tartar (which home care can’t remove) doesn’t build up and cause damage. While twice-yearly cleanings work for many people, those with risk factors may benefit from more frequent 3-4 month intervals.

Managing systemic conditions like diabetes, reducing stress, and addressing other health factors that impact periodontal health can prevent disease progression and reduce treatment needs.

Emma, a patient from Tigard, shared her success story: “I was facing over $6,000 in periodontal surgery costs when I decided to commit fully to the home care regimen Dr. Sepehri prescribed. After six months of diligent brushing, flossing, and using the prescribed rinse—plus quitting smoking—my gum health improved so significantly that I only needed minimal treatment, saving me over $4,000.”

For more scientific information on prevention strategies, the Cleveland Clinic offers excellent resources on periodontal disease management.

Life After Treatment: Maintenance Visits, Long-Term Costs & FAQs

Congratulations on completing your periodontal treatment! But here’s the thing—this isn’t the finish line. It’s actually more like the starting point of a lifelong relationship with your gum health. Understanding what comes next will help you protect both your smile and your wallet for years to come.

Periodontal Maintenance Visits

After active treatment, you’ll need to see us more frequently than the standard twice-yearly cleanings most people schedule. These specialized maintenance appointments are crucial for preserving your results and typically:

• Cost between $100-$200 per visit
• Are recommended every 3-4 months
• Include targeted cleaning above and below your gumline
• Assess healing and catch any signs of disease recurrence
• May include site-specific antibiotic application when needed

“Periodontal maintenance isn’t just a regular cleaning,” explains Dr. Sepehri with a warm smile. “Think of it as a targeted approach that focuses specifically on areas where disease was active before. We use specialized techniques to protect the results we worked so hard to achieve together.”

When you think about the long-term investment, a patient coming in quarterly for periodontal maintenance at around $150 per visit will spend approximately $600 annually. Over five years, that’s about $3,000 dedicated to maintaining your periodontal health.

That might sound like a lot until you compare it to the alternative. If disease recurs because of missed maintenance, you could be looking at retreatment with scaling and root planing ($1,600-$4,000), additional surgical interventions ($3,000-$10,000), or even tooth loss and replacement ($3,000-$6,000 per tooth).

Robert, who’s been with us at PS Dental for years, admits: “I initially grumbled about coming in every three months after my treatment. But after skipping a few appointments and watching my symptoms return—which required another round of deep cleaning—I realized these maintenance visits were actually saving me money and a whole lot of discomfort.”

The most expensive decision you can make regarding periodontal gum disease treatment cost is postponing necessary care. Research consistently shows that early-stage treatment costs significantly less than advanced interventions. Each year of delay can increase your treatment costs by 25-50%, not to mention the risk of tooth loss and potential systemic health complications that bring their own medical expenses.

At our Tigard practice, we genuinely believe that investing in your periodontal health today will pay dividends—both financial and physical—for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment Cost

What happens if I delay treatment and costs skyrocket?

When you postpone periodontal treatment, you’re essentially giving the disease free rein to progress, destroying more gum tissue and bone support along the way. What might have been treated with a $1,200 scaling and root planing procedure could advance to require $5,000+ in surgical procedures. In the worst cases, you might face tooth loss with replacement costs exceeding $3,000 per tooth.

And that’s just your dental bill. Untreated periodontal disease is linked to worsening diabetes, heart disease, and other serious conditions—potentially leading to significant medical expenses down the road.

Can I stage treatment over time to manage costs?

Absolutely! At PS Dental, we understand budget constraints and often develop phased treatment plans that work with your financial situation. We typically:

Address the most severely affected areas first so we’re stopping the worst damage immediately. Then we allow time for both healing and financial recovery between phases. Meanwhile, we’ll help you implement intensive home care to slow progression in untreated areas and often coordinate with insurance calendar years to maximize your benefits.

Jennifer from Tigard remembers: “When I faced nearly $7,000 in full-mouth periodontal treatment costs, I worried I’d have to choose between my teeth and paying my bills. Dr. Sepehri created a 15-month plan addressing two quadrants at a time. This let me use two years of insurance benefits while preventing further problems through better home care.”

Will my insurance plan cover retreatment if the disease returns later?

Most dental insurance plans will cover periodontal retreatment, but with some important fine print to be aware of:

Most policies have frequency limitations that restrict coverage for scaling and root planing to once per quadrant every 24-36 months. You’ll usually need documentation proving disease recurrence (rather than inadequate initial treatment). Annual maximums still apply, potentially limiting coverage for extensive retreatment, and some plans have lifetime maximums for certain procedures.

At PS Dental, we help patients steer these insurance complexities while focusing on effective initial treatment and consistent maintenance to minimize the need for retreatment in the first place.

How can I determine if my periodontal treatment is medically necessary for insurance purposes?

Periodontal treatment is generally considered medically necessary when professional documentation shows active disease (typically pocket depths of 5mm or greater), bone loss is visible on X-rays, inflammation and bleeding are present, and the condition poses risk to your overall health or tooth retention.

Insurance companies often require this documentation before approving coverage. Our team thoroughly documents all clinical findings to support your insurance claims.

Is it cheaper to have teeth extracted rather than undergo periodontal treatment?

While extraction (typically $200-$300 per tooth) might seem like the budget-friendly option initially, the long-term math tells a different story. After extraction, you’re looking at:

Tooth replacement with a bridge: $2,000-$5,000
Replacement with an implant: $3,000-$6,000 per tooth
Dentures (for multiple missing teeth): $1,000-$8,000

Plus, each extraction increases pressure on your remaining teeth, potentially accelerating their deterioration and creating a costly cycle of tooth loss.

“Natural teeth, even those requiring periodontal treatment, almost always represent a better long-term investment than extraction and replacement,” Dr. Sepehri often advises. “The functionality, comfort, and longevity of your natural teeth typically justify the investment in saving them whenever possible.”

Conclusion

The journey through periodontal gum disease treatment costs might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right knowledge and partner in your dental care, it becomes manageable. Think of your investment in gum health not as an expense, but as protection for both your smile and your wallet in the years ahead.

When you consider that untreated periodontal disease inevitably leads to tooth loss—with replacements costing thousands per tooth—the value of early treatment becomes crystal clear. Even the most comprehensive periodontal therapy costs significantly less than dealing with the consequences of neglect.

“I’ve seen patients transform from being terrified about treatment costs to feeling empowered about their dental future,” says Dr. Sepehri. “The relief on their faces when they realize they can save their natural teeth and protect their overall health without financial hardship is why I love what I do.”

At PS Dental in Tigard, we understand that each patient’s situation is unique. Some need immediate comprehensive care, while others benefit from a phased approach that respects both clinical priorities and budget realities. Our team excels at creating personalized plans that make quality care accessible to everyone who walks through our doors.

Your dental insurance can be a powerful ally when properly steerd. We’ll help you maximize your benefits, time treatments strategically, and explore supplemental financing options when needed. Many patients are surprised to find how affordable periodontal care becomes with the right guidance.

Perhaps most importantly, we emphasize the power of prevention and maintenance. The most cost-effective periodontal treatment is the one you never need because of diligent home care and regular professional maintenance. Our patients who commit to this partnership find themselves spending less on dental care over their lifetime while enjoying better oral health.

Whether you’re noticing the early warning signs of gum disease or facing more advanced concerns, we invite you to take that crucial first step. Schedule a consultation at our Tigard office where Dr. Sepehri and our compassionate team will listen to your concerns, evaluate your needs, and develop a plan that respects both your health goals and financial circumstances.

Your healthy smile awaits, and it might be more affordable than you think. For comprehensive information about our approach to periodontal therapy, visit our complete guide to periodontal therapy and treatment options.

Let’s partner together for a lifetime of healthy smiles—because your oral health is too important to compromise, and with PS Dental, you won’t have to.

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Dr. Parisa Sepehri

Dr. Sepehri - Recognized by the Consumer’s Research Council of America as One of America’s Top Dentists: Taking care of people comes very naturally to me. Both of my parents are health care professionals, and I grew up in a home where caring for others always came first. I believe in providing excellent customer service.

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