Scaling and root planing treats gum disease by cleaning below the gumline and smoothing root surfaces so gums can reattach. Your mouth is divided into four quadrants, and each is billed separately.
What’s included
The area is numbed; tartar and bacteria are removed from deep pockets, and roots are smoothed. Sometimes an antibiotic is placed in the pockets.
Cost at a glance
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Without insurance | $150-$350 per quadrant |
| Typical | about $250 |
| With insurance (80% coverage) | about $30-$70 plus deductible |
What affects the price
- How many quadrants need treatment.
- Local antibiotics (like Arestin) add about $50-$100 per tooth.
- Follow-up periodontal maintenance cleanings cost more than regular cleanings.
With dental insurance
Most plans treat this as basic care and pay about 80% after your deductible (usually around $50), up to your annual maximum, so a $250 bill typically leaves you paying around $100. New plans often have waiting periods (6 months for basic, 12 months for major work). Run your own numbers with the dental cost estimator.
Ways to pay less
- Insurance usually treats this as a basic service (often 80% after the deductible).
- Ask whether all four quadrants are needed now, or whether some can wait for next year’s benefits.
- Dental discount plans (not insurance) typically cut fees 10-60% at participating dentists: compare with the insurance vs discount plan calculator.
- Dental schools and community health centers offer reduced-fee care. See how to afford dental work.
Cost ranges are national estimates compiled from published consumer cost guides and fee surveys (checked October 2026). Your dentist’s fees depend on your location, your mouth and their practice. This page is general information, not dental or medical advice.
What people actually paid for deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
Real prices reported by readers, not estimates. We only show a figure once enough people have reported it, and we never show individual reports.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a deep cleaning necessary?
If you have pockets of about 5 mm or more with bleeding or bone loss, it treats gum disease that a regular cleaning can’t reach. Ask to see your pocket measurements.
Questions from readers
Question about Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)? Ask it here. We answer general questions on this page. For anything about your own teeth, ask your dentist.
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