Gum Disease Treatment Cost in 2026: From Deep Cleaning to Surgery

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Prices checked October 22, 2026. By Lorenzo Beux.

Short answer: Early gum disease (gingivitis) is often handled with a regular cleaning, which averages $155 in the US. Periodontitis usually needs a deep cleaning at $220 to $570 per quadrant, about $1,340 for a full mouth at the average. Advanced cases may add a gum graft (average $920 per site) or bone grafting. Insurance and dental savings plans can both lower these numbers.

Dental savings plans are not insurance. A plan gives you discounts only at participating dentists. It does not pay the dentist for you, and you pay for all services at the discounted rate. Prices, discounts and dentists vary by plan and ZIP code.

Compare dental savings plans and what you would pay

Gum disease treatment prices

TreatmentCodeTypical US price
Regular adult cleaning (gingivitis)D1110$100–$265, average $155
Deep cleaning, one quadrantD4341$220–$570, average $335
Deep cleaning, full mouth4 × D4341About $880–$2,280
Periodontal treatment, Pearl’s combined categoryD4341, D4910, D4346$300–$790, average $460
Periodontal maintenance (sample usual fee)D4910$206 per visit
Gum graft, per siteD4270$600–$1,570, average $920
Bone graft at a natural tooth (sample usual fee)D4263$808 first site
Sources: Pearl national averages from ADA fee survey data (May 2026); DentalPlans.com sample usual fees, Houston ZIP 77002 (October 2026). Full-mouth range is our math.

We could not verify a national average for flap (pocket reduction) surgery from a source we trust. Ask for a written estimate with the procedure code if a periodontist recommends it.

Gingivitis vs periodontitis

The ADA describes gingivitis as the early stage of gum disease. Gums may be red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage it is still reversible. A professional cleaning plus daily brushing and flossing can clear it up.

Periodontitis is the advanced stage. The infection damages the tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. It is very common: the CDC found that 47.2% of adults 30 and older had periodontitis in 2009–2010. Among adults 65 and older, it was 70.1%.

Mayo Clinic says healthy gum pockets are usually 1 to 3 mm deep. Pockets deeper than 4 mm may indicate periodontitis. Your dentist also checks X-rays for bone loss.

Treatments by stage and what they cost

Gingivitis: cleaning and better home care

A regular cleaning averages $155. Many insurance plans cover routine cleanings as preventive care, often at 100%. Some savings plans list low cleaning fees too, such as $137 → $33 on Careington Care 500 in one sample.

Mild to moderate periodontitis: deep cleaning

Scaling and root planing is the standard first treatment. It removes tartar below the gumline and smooths the roots. NIDCR notes your dentist may also prescribe medication, such as an oral rinse. Mayo Clinic lists antibiotic gels placed in pockets as another option. Pearl says those are billed per site. Full details are in our deep cleaning cost guide.

After treatment: maintenance cleanings

The American Academy of Periodontology says most patients need ongoing maintenance therapy. Pearl says visits are typically every 3 to 4 months. At a sample usual fee of $206, four visits come to $824 a year.

Advanced periodontitis: surgery

If deep cleaning is not enough, a periodontist may suggest surgery. Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Periodontology describe these options:

  • Flap or pocket reduction surgery. The gum is lifted, the roots are cleaned, and the bone may be smoothed.
  • Soft tissue (gum) grafts. Tissue covers exposed roots. Pearl’s average is $920 per site.
  • Bone grafting. Replaces bone lost around a tooth. One sample usual fee is $808 for the first site.
  • Guided tissue regeneration and tissue-stimulating proteins. These help bone and tissue regrow.

Lost teeth add new costs. See tooth extraction, dental implants and dentures.

What raises or lowers the price

  • How far the disease has gone. A cleaning costs far less than surgery.
  • Number of quadrants or sites. Deep cleaning is billed per quadrant, grafts per site.
  • Specialist fees. Pearl notes periodontists typically charge more for grafts than general dentists.
  • Extras. Antibiotics in pockets and sedation are usually billed separately.
  • Ongoing care. Maintenance visits continue after the main treatment.

With dental insurance

Many plans pay 100% for preventive care, 80% for basic and 50% for major work. Pearl says most PPO plans pay 50% to 80% of scaling and root planing after the deductible. For medically necessary grafts, Pearl says most PPO plans pay 50%. Purely cosmetic grafting may not be covered.

Yearly maximums limit what the plan pays. ADA News reports 32.8% of plans cap at $1,000 to $1,500 and 48.2% at $1,500 to $2,500. Major-work waiting periods are often 6 or 12 months. Learn more in our insurance guide.

With a dental savings plan

Savings plans have no yearly maximum and no waiting period once active. Sample fees on Aetna Dental Access ($154.95 a year plus $20 setup):

ProcedureUsual feePlan fee
Adult cleaning (D1110)$137$58
Deep cleaning, per quadrant (D4341)$362$167
Maintenance cleaning (D4910)$206$73
Bone graft, first site (D4263)$808$319
Sample general-dentist fees on DentalPlans.com, Houston ZIP 77002, checked October 22, 2026. Fees vary by dentist and ZIP code.

Compare options in the best dental savings plans.

Worked example: moderate periodontitis

Say you need deep cleaning in two quadrants, then three maintenance visits that year.

  • Usual fees: 2 × $362 + 3 × $206 = $1,342.
  • With insurance at 80%, assuming a $50 deductible: you pay $50 plus 20% of $1,292, or $308.40. This assumes maintenance is covered at 80% too; check your plan.
  • With Aetna Dental Access: 2 × $167 + 3 × $73 + $174.95 in plan fees = $727.95.

The insurance math assumes you already pay a premium. Premiums averaged $49.60 a month in 2026, or $595.20 a year.

Ways to pay less

  • Treat gingivitis early. A cleaning is far cheaper than surgery.
  • Ask for a written estimate with every procedure code.
  • Get a second opinion before surgery or a full-mouth plan.
  • Look into dental schools and community health centers. See free and low-cost dental care.
  • Ask about the cash price and an in-office payment plan. If you consider a medical credit card, read the interest terms.
  • Join a savings plan before treatment starts.

When to see a dentist

NIDCR lists these warning signs: gums that are red, swollen, tender or bleed easily; gums pulling away from teeth; loose or sensitive teeth; pain when chewing; and bad breath that will not go away. Gum disease is often painless, so do not wait for pain. Read what bleeding gums can mean.

FAQ

How much does gum disease treatment cost without insurance?

From about $155 for a cleaning to about $1,340 for a full-mouth deep cleaning at national averages. Surgery and grafts add more, such as $920 per graft site.

Can gingivitis go away on its own?

The ADA says gingivitis is reversible with a professional cleaning and daily brushing and flossing. It needs care; it does not clear up by itself.

Can periodontitis be cured?

NIDCR says the main goal of treatment is to control the infection. Most people need ongoing maintenance visits to keep it under control.

Is gum surgery covered by insurance?

Often in part, when it is medically necessary. Pearl says many PPO plans pay 50% for grafts after the deductible, up to the yearly maximum. Pre-authorization is sometimes required.

Does Medicare pay for gum disease treatment?

It depends on the type of Medicare coverage you have. Our guide to Medicare and dental care explains how it works.

Who treats gum disease, a dentist or a periodontist?

General dentists treat many cases. NIDCR notes you may be referred to a periodontist, a gum specialist, for advanced disease.

Dental savings plans are not insurance. They provide discounts at participating providers. You pay the provider directly at the time of service. Prices vary by provider and ZIP code. This page is for information only and is not dental or financial advice.

Sources

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