How much for root scaling & planing & does it work?

DSN

Hi, seem to be always on about dental issues - its never ending! I was recommended to a peridontist by my dentist & orthodontist who said I had terrible gum disease & I needed a full mouth of root scaling & planning. So I pay €150 for the consult inc. xrays. Then €700 for the scalling (done in 2 sessions lasting about 50mins each). So today she says like to see you back for a review of the gums in 3 mths - fair enough - that & that will be another €100!!! I expected at least a review would be included for crying out loud! Any thoughts? seems small in the scheme of things but have forked out so much for my teeth in past few years it was the final straw!

davo10

DSN wrote: »

Hi, seem to be always on about dental issues - its never ending! I was recommended to a peridontist by my dentist & orthodontist who said I had terrible gum disease & I needed a full mouth of root scaling & planning. So I pay €150 for the consult inc. xrays. Then €700 for the scalling (done in 2 sessions lasting about 50mins each). So today she says like to see you back for a review of the gums in 3 mths - fair enough - that & that will be another €100!!! I expected at least a review would be included for crying out loud! Any thoughts? seems small in the scheme of things but have forked out so much for my teeth in past few years it was the final straw!

Periodontal disease is probably the most destructive of all dental diseases as left unchecked it can be difficult to treat and may result in the loss of multiple teeth at the same time. A referral to a periodontist is necessary if the disease does not respond to conventional treatment with a dentist/hygienist and is often the best money you ever spend on your teeth, what use is it to have straight teeth if they fall out? Also bare in mind that periodontal disease is avoidable and is almost as a result of poor oral hygiene. I don't know why you would expect that next next visit to the periodontist should be free, he/she is checking for improved oral hygiene and tissue healing, if this has not occurred more treatment may be needed to prevent progression/tooth loss so it's a great incentive to look after your teeth better.

DSN

davo10 wrote: »

Periodontal disease is probably the most destructive of all dental diseases as left unchecked it can be difficult to treat and may result in the loss of multiple teeth at the same time. A referral to a periodontist is necessary if the disease does not respond to conventional treatment with a dentist/hygienist and is often the best money you ever spend on your teeth, what use is it to have straight teeth if they fall out? Also bare in mind that periodontal disease is avoidable and is almost as a result of poor oral hygiene. I don't know why you would expect that next next visit to the periodontist should be free, he/she is checking for improved oral hygiene and tissue healing, if this has not occurred more treatment may be needed to prevent progression/tooth loss so it's a great incentive to look after your teeth better.

I know all about the effects of gum disease unfortunately have already lost a tooth & am sick at the thoughts that 3 years of ortho may have been a waste of time & money now if the gum disease cant be curtailed & I'll do everything I can to help inc. extra treatment if needs be. all am saying that a follow up apt after root scaling should be part of the price of €850 in my (unprofessional) opinion that is all & wondered was that the norm.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Yes root planning usually works very well, If you have any doubt about the efficacy of treatment ask your specialist periodontist whom you have paid for advice to advise you.

As for the fee structure for the periodontist that would be a matter to discuss with them. With these things you are paying for the periodontists time and that overheads that go with that. The cost of the root planning was very reasonable, if it had been 1500 ( a not unheard of cost for specialist root planning) and all reviews were included would you would likely have perceived better value despite it costing more.

DSN

Thanks yup did ask but naturally she wont guarantee anything only says to give them half a chance I needed do this. If she had included it I would have still thought it was expensive but not got the added 'surprise' at the end. 1500 sounds crazy - just for scaling or is there actual surgery there lifting the gum & all that? I hope I don't need to go down that route. look as I say in the scheme of what I spend on my teeth not huge just irked me.
I see a dentist practice in the west advertising root scaling & planning (done by hygienist am guessing) for €450 inc. consultation, 2 hour scaling & a review. I decided to stick with the peridontist for this am trusting what she does must be better, one so hope it's successful but to find out I guess i gotta pay another €100

btkm8unsl0w5r4

I will put it this way. A single implant done well will be 2-4k. If investment in periodontal treatment, and appreciation of the role of the review visit and your part in maintanance, save you only one tooth then you have saved a lot of money. I personally would be delighted to spend this money, and would be counting my blessing that it was caught in time.