Was curious the treatment schedule for advanced gum disease is as well as Cost?

[lafguy]

I figure I have advanced gum disease. I talked to a Dentist and he said, the treatment is usually 4 to 8 visits.

What treatments do they do and how far apart can they be done.



I do not have insurance I was curious what the cost of 4 to 8 treatments cost me? I have bad credit so I'd need to pay cash. Would it be better to wait til I had enough money to pay all my visits or would it be best to get evaluation and xray and get antibiotics or mouth wash to slow progress until I can afford every treatment.

[kajimenez]

I have extensive experience with treatment of gum disease. I can tell you that the expense can be enormous. Thousands and thousands of dollars. This is not to scare you. I have been dealing with this for about 20 years. I have chosen for several years to ignore it (not a good idea). Two things happen when ignored: first: you lose bone beneath your gums that hold your teeth. Teeth become loose and eventually, you will have to replace them. You can replace them with implants, including bone grafts to replace the lost bone, or you can have dentures. Dentures are probably the least expensive in the short term, but not as effective as implants. I have never had much money, and my insurance only allows me about 1500 per year, so I have had to make some difficult decisions. Thankfully, I have not had to have any front teeth missing. I know your are more concerned with the exact cost, so let me give you an idea. Each implant will cost about 2000 dollars. That is strictly for the implant. Bone grafts if needed (if you've lost bone) will be about 600 dollars each. This is only the implants. Then there is the restorative phase (a general dentist). For each implant, you will need a crown. About another 2000 to 4000 dollars. You are probably experiencing the shock and horror that I first experienced when I heard this. This is the reason that for several years I did nothing. However a decision has to be made. The longer you wait, the more bone loss you are going through. The more bone loss, the less options you have. I have decided to have implants and crowns. I will need to take out a home equity loan, but I have about another 20 years on earth (God willing), and I would like to have teeth. Please let me know if you have any more questions. I have had just about all of the surgeries.

[mike1105]

treatment varies fom deep cleanings and scalings to surgery where the gums are reflected back and the bony defects addressed. You should not be confused at all about your treatment or payment options. If you are, do not proceed until ypu fully understand the expectations, risks, benefits, and alternatives. It cannot hurt to get more than one opinion.

[Matthew Baron, D.M.D.]

these things are best discussed with the treating doctor.  There are many payment options available and I am not qualified to discuss your dentist's policies.