Periodontal (gum disease) treatment: How much does it cost and what does dental insurance cover?

Periodontal disease, sometimes referred to as gum disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular dental hygiene can help prevent it, and treatment options are available—but they can be pricey.¹ Let’s take a look at the costs and dental insurance coverage options.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a serious infection that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Without treatment, it can destroy the bone and cause loose teeth or tooth loss.²

What is the cost of treating periodontal disease?

The cost of periodontal disease treatment will vary based on how advanced the gum disease is and the treatment options recommended by your dentist or periodontist. Average costs range from $128 for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation to $2,337 for 1 dental implant to replace a tooth lost to gum disease, according to a cost survey published by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 2020.³

Does dental insurance cover periodontal disease?

Certain dental insurance plan providers, including Humana, offer dental plans that can help cover the cost of gum disease treatment. You can also ask your periodontist if they offer any payment plans.

What causes periodontal disease?

In most cases, periodontal disease begins with a buildup of plaque—a soft, sticky film that coats teeth and contains bacteria. Plaque can cause gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. If plaque isn’t removed by daily brushing and flossing, it can harden and turn into tartar (dental calculus). Once tartar forms, it can only be removed with professional cleaning to stop the development of periodontal disease.²

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Symptoms of periodontal disease

Healthy gums are firm and pink. Here are some symptoms of periodontal disease:²

Red, puffy or swollen gums
Gums that feel tender and bleed easily
Receding gums
Bad breath that won’t go away
Painful chewing
Loose teeth

Treatment options for periodontal disease

The amount and types of treatment can depend on the stage of the gum disease. Nonsurgical treatments are used for less advanced cases, while surgery may be required when the disease is more advanced.

Nonsurgical periodontal disease treatments⁴

Scaling and root planing—Tartar and bacteria are removed from your teeth and under your gums using instruments, a laser or an ultrasonic device.
Antibiotics—Topical antibiotics, such as antibiotic gels or mouth rinses, are used to control bacterial infection.

Surgical periodontal disease treatments⁴

These are just a few common treatment options and their average costs, according to the American Dental Association 2020 Survey of Dental Fees.

Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery)—Tiny incisions are made in your gums so a section of tissue can be lifted back, exposing the roots for more effective cleaning. Average cost in the U.S. is $ 1,138 for up to 3 teeth in a row. ³
Soft tissue grafts—Tissue is removed from the roof of your mouth or taken from a donor source to replace gum tissue that has receded around your teeth. Average cost in the U.S. is $1,225 for the first tooth plus $835 for each additional tooth in a row. ³
Bone grafting—Fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone or donated bone are used to reattach teeth to the jawbone. Average cost in the U.S. is $613 plus $448 for each additional tooth. ³

Humana can help with periodontal disease treatment

If you need treatment for periodontal disease, Humana can help.

We offer a broad range of dental plans with varying levels of coverage, many with affordable monthly premiums. Some of our plans also feature no waiting periods, which means you could get covered in about 5 days. To see plans and prices in your area, check out our Humana dental insurance page.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can periodontal disease be fixed?

Not in its later stages, but it can be managed with the right treatment. Gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, can be reversed with proper dental hygiene (brushing, flossing and routine dental cleaning).⁵

2. Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?

If gum disease isn’t treated, it will generally continue to get worse. Eventually that may mean tooth loss, but gum disease has also been linked to other health issues, including strokes and heart disease. The earlier you address any concerns, the better.⁵

3. Can periodontal disease be prevented?

Some people may be more likely to have dental issues due to genetics or other health conditions. In most cases, basic daily oral hygiene is the best tool for preventing gum disease. So don’t forget to floss!⁵

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Sources

“Gum Disease,” MouthHealthy™, American Dental Association, last accessed August 22, 2024
“Periodontitis: Symptoms & Causes,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed August 2, 2024
“Dental Fees—Results from the 2020 Survey of Dental Fees,” American Dental Association, last accessed July 30, 2024
“Periodontitis: Diagnosis & Treatment,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed August 2, 2024
“Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease),” Cleveland Clinic, last accessed August 2, 2024

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