Does insurance cover gum treatment? Question
Most dental plans cover scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance as basic services, and gum surgery, including LANAP and grafting, as major services at a lower percentage. Implant coverage varies widely. Annual maximums limit what a plan pays. A pre-treatment estimate from the office shows your share before you start.
How do I find out what I will pay?
- Ask the office for a pre-treatment estimate sent to your plan.
- Check the annual maximum and what is left this year.
- Ask about phasing treatment across plan years.
- Ask whether a medical plan applies for certain conditions.
Questions
Why is maintenance billed differently from a cleaning?
Periodontal maintenance is a separate procedure code for patients treated for periodontitis. Plans set their own frequency limits for it.
Sources
Cost, insurance and practical Read next
How long does a deep cleaning take?A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, takes one to two hours.
How often should you see a periodontist?It depends on how severe your gum disease is.
Does Medicare cover periodontal treatment?In most cases, no. Original Medicare does not cover most dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures or implants.How can I pay for gum disease treatment?Ask your periodontist about payment plans and what your insurance covers.
Is gum disease contagious? Can I kiss my partner?Gum disease itself comes from inflammation, but the bacteria behind it can spread through saliva.Periodontal maintenancePeriodontal maintenance is a cleaning every three to four months for patients treated for periodontitis.