What does it cost to get your teeth cleaned? The scaling and root planing cost (SRP) will vary depending on where you live, the type of dentist or dental practice that performs the treatment, and any special features or extras that are included in the price. Before you make an appointment, here’s how much SRP might cost at a few different types of dental practices.
What is scale and root planing (SRP)?
If you’re like most people, you hate going to see your dentist. But if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, regular dental checkups are an important part of a healthy regimen. One common procedure is scale and root planing (SRP), a popular teeth-cleaning treatment that doesn’t involve drilling, lasers or power tools like an ultrasonic scaler. Instead, your dental hygienist will use a gentle and safe instrument called an ultrasonic scaler to cleanse and polish your tooth enamel while removing plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease. The result is clean, fresh-smelling teeth without having to worry about more invasive procedures. Learn more about how it works here!
SRP treatment process
First, your dentist or hygienist will file down surface stains and tartar with an ultrasonic scaler. Next, he or she will clean and shape your teeth to ensure that there’s not an irregularity that could cause a filling from popping out. Finally, your practitioner will remove calculus (hardened plaque) using a special hand tool called a root-planing instrument. Your teeth may feel sensitive for about two days after treatment; avoid hot or cold foods and drinks during that time so you don’t damage them any further. You should notice whiter teeth immediately after SRP—though they’ll likely become discolored again within a few weeks.
Costs of SRP
Some dentists charge $100 or more for an initial examination and cleaning, while others may price their services under $100. The number of treatments needed to maintain clean teeth will also impact costs—while SRP is typically covered by dental insurance, patients should expect copays or deductibles. And in addition to visiting a dentist every six months, many people also need treatment from an oral surgeon for other problems like root canals and wisdom teeth extraction. It’s hard to generalize about how much cost patients can expect from these procedures, but procedures can easily exceed $1,000 when all costs are considered. It’s important for prospective patients to do their homework about fees and plan for related expenses if necessary.
Tips for budget-friendly SRP treatments
When your dentist recommends you undergo scale and root planing, they want to do more than simply help you maintain a healthy smile. They want to give you optimal oral health with less damage than could be caused by other treatment methods. However, that doesn’t mean that SRP is a cheap teeth cleaning procedure; in fact, it can cost thousands of dollars, depending on how long it takes and where you go for it.