If your dentist has recommended deep dental cleaning, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost and whether the treatment is really necessary.
In the Philippines, deep scaling and root planing may cost approximately ₱1,500 to ₱5,000 per quadrant, although actual fees can vary depending on the dental clinic and your treatment needs. This is a general budgeting estimate, not an official nationwide price.
Unlike regular dental cleaning, scaling and root planing is a more intensive procedure that removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline to help treat periodontal disease.
We’ll discuss the estimated cost of scaling and root planing in the Philippines, the factors that affect pricing, what to expect during treatment, and how to take care of your gums afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Estimated cost: Scaling and root planing may cost approximately ₱1,500–₱5,000 per quadrant in the Philippines, although actual prices vary.
- Full-mouth treatment: If all four quadrants require treatment, the total may reach approximately ₱6,000–₱20,000 or more.
- Different from regular cleaning: Scaling and root planing treats periodontal disease, while regular dental cleaning primarily helps prevent oral health problems.
- Additional expenses: Dental examinations, X-rays, medications, and follow-up appointments may affect the final cost.
- Long-term benefits: When clinically necessary, scaling and root planing can help control gum disease and reduce the risk of further damage to the tissues supporting your teeth.
How Much Does Scaling and Root Planing Cost in the Philippines?
The cost of scaling and root planing varies among dental clinics in the Philippines.
Some clinics charge per tooth or group of teeth, while others charge per quadrant. A quadrant refers to one of the four sections of your mouth: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.
For budgeting purposes, you may encounter fees of approximately ₱1,500–₱5,000 per quadrant. However, this range is only an estimate and should not be considered a standard fee across Philippine dental clinics.
The final price depends on your periodontal condition, the extent of cleaning required, and the clinic’s pricing structure.
For an accurate quotation, it’s best to undergo a dental examination so your dentist can determine the appropriate treatment.
How Much Does Full-Mouth Scaling and Root Planing Cost?
If your dentist recommends treatment in all four quadrants, the total cost will generally be higher than treatment involving only a few teeth.
Here’s an estimated breakdown:
| Estimated Cost per Quadrant | Estimated Full-Mouth Cost |
| ₱1,500 | ₱6,000 |
| ₱2,500 | ₱10,000 |
| ₱3,500 | ₱14,000 |
| ₱5,000 | ₱20,000 |
These amounts are illustrative calculations rather than fixed package prices. Additional services may also affect your total bill.
Not everyone needs full-mouth scaling and root planing. Your dentist may recommend treating only the areas affected by periodontal disease.
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What Is Deep Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing (SRP), commonly called deep dental cleaning, is a nonsurgical dental procedure used to treat periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a form of gum disease that damages the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Without proper treatment, it can eventually lead to tooth mobility and tooth loss.
The procedure involves two main steps.
1. Scaling
Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar, also called dental calculus, from the surfaces of your teeth.
Unlike routine cleaning, periodontal scaling focuses on removing deposits beneath the gumline, including those inside periodontal pockets.
Your dentist may use ultrasonic instruments, specialized hand instruments, or both.
2. Root Planing
Root planing involves carefully cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces to remove remaining deposits and contaminated material.
This helps create conditions that allow the surrounding gum tissues to heal and reduces areas where bacteria can accumulate.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), scaling and root planing is a recommended nonsurgical treatment for periodontitis.
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Scaling and Root Planing vs. Regular Dental Cleaning
Although both procedures remove plaque and tartar, they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Regular Dental Cleaning | Scaling and Root Planing |
| Main purpose | Preventive dental care | Treatment of periodontal disease |
| Cleaning area | Mainly accessible tooth surfaces and gumline | Includes areas beneath the gums and root surfaces |
| Local anesthesia | Usually unnecessary | May be necessary |
| Number of appointments | Often one | One or multiple |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
Regular dental cleaning, also known as oral prophylaxis, helps maintain oral hygiene by removing plaque, tartar, and certain surface stains.
Scaling and root planing, on the other hand, is intended to treat periodontal disease involving deeper areas around the teeth.
If you have mild plaque buildup or gingivitis without loss of periodontal support, routine professional cleaning may be sufficient.
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What Factors Affect the Cost of Scaling and Root Planing?
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay for scaling and root planing in the Philippines.
1. Severity of Gum Disease
The more advanced your periodontal condition, the more extensive the treatment may be.
Patients with deep periodontal pockets, heavy tartar buildup, or widespread gum disease may require additional treatment time and more appointments.
2. Number of Teeth or Quadrants Treated
Some patients only need scaling and root planing around a few affected teeth.
Others may require treatment across several quadrants.
The number of areas requiring treatment can significantly affect the total cost.
3. Dental Clinic Location
Dental fees may vary depending on the clinic’s location.
For example, clinics in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other major urban areas may have different operating costs and pricing structures compared with clinics in smaller cities or provinces.
However, location alone doesn’t determine the quality or cost of treatment.
4. Dentist’s Experience and Specialization
Qualified general dentists can perform scaling and root planing.
However, patients with complex or advanced periodontal disease may be referred to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum disease and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.
Specialist care may involve higher professional fees.
5. Additional Dental Services
Depending on your condition and the clinic’s policies, the total cost may also include:
- Dental consultation and periodontal examination
- Dental X-rays
- Local anesthesia
- Prescribed medications, when necessary
- Periodontal reevaluation
- Additional periodontal treatment, if required
Before proceeding, ask your dental clinic for an itemized quotation to understand which services are included.
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How Do You Know If You Need Scaling and Root Planing?
Not everyone with bleeding gums or tartar buildup needs deep scaling and root planing.
However, certain symptoms may indicate periodontal problems that require professional evaluation.
These include:
- Gums that frequently bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
Some people with periodontitis may experience few noticeable symptoms, particularly during its earlier stages.
To assess your gum health, your dentist may use a periodontal probe to measure the spaces between your teeth and gums. Dental X-rays may also be recommended to evaluate bone support.
A diagnosis of periodontitis considers findings such as clinical attachment loss, periodontal pocket measurements, and evidence of bone loss.
Scaling and root planing should be recommended based on a proper periodontal assessment, not simply because your teeth have stains or tartar buildup.
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What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable before your appointment.
Step 1: Dental Examination
Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine the extent of periodontal disease.
This may involve measuring periodontal pockets, checking for bleeding, and taking X-rays when necessary.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
Depending on the treatment area and your sensitivity, your dentist may administer local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
Step 3: Scaling
Your dentist removes plaque and tartar from affected tooth surfaces, including deposits beneath the gumline.
Step 4: Root Planing
The root surfaces are carefully cleaned to remove remaining deposits and help create conditions that support gum healing.
Step 5: Aftercare and Follow-Up
After treatment, your dentist will provide instructions on caring for your teeth and gums.
A follow-up appointment is generally recommended to assess healing and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Depending on the severity and extent of gum disease, scaling and root planing may require one or several appointments.
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Is Scaling and Root Planing Painful?
It’s understandable to feel concerned about discomfort, especially if you’ve never undergone deep dental cleaning.
Fortunately, local anesthesia can help make the procedure more comfortable.
You may feel pressure or vibration while your dentist cleans your teeth, but you should inform your dentist if you experience significant pain.
After treatment, some patients experience temporary symptoms such as mild gum soreness, bleeding, swelling, or tooth sensitivity.
According to the American Dental Association, discomfort may last one or two days, while tooth sensitivity can persist for up to a week.
These symptoms generally improve as your gums recover.
However, contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, worsening swelling, fever, or persistent heavy bleeding.
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How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most patients can return to their usual daily activities shortly after scaling and root planing.
However, your gums may feel tender for several days.
To support recovery, your dentist may recommend:
- Eating softer foods if your gums are sensitive
- Avoiding very hot, spicy, or irritating foods temporarily
- Brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Cleaning between your teeth as instructed
- Taking prescribed medications, if any
- Attending your scheduled follow-up appointment
Although initial soreness often improves within a few days, periodontal healing takes longer.
The American Dental Association notes that periodontal tissues may need approximately four weeks to demonstrate the optimal effects of nonsurgical periodontal treatment.
Your dentist will assess your response to treatment and determine whether additional care is necessary.
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Is Scaling and Root Planing Covered by PhilHealth?
PhilHealth provides certain preventive oral health benefits through its primary care programs.
Under PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0034, eligible beneficiaries may access specified preventive dental services through participating healthcare providers.
These include oral examinations or screenings, oral prophylaxis, fluoride varnish, and certain other covered procedures.
However, therapeutic scaling and root planing for periodontitis is not specifically listed among the covered preventive oral health services under this circular.
Therefore, you shouldn’t assume that deep scaling and root planing will be covered simply because routine oral prophylaxis is included.
Before scheduling treatment, contact PhilHealth or a participating healthcare provider to verify your eligibility and available benefits.
Is Scaling and Root Planing Covered by HMO?
Some Philippine health maintenance organizations (HMOs) provide dental benefits through accredited clinics.
However, coverage varies depending on your HMO provider, employer-sponsored plan, and membership agreement.
Basic oral prophylaxis may be included, while scaling and root planing may be excluded or subject to additional requirements.
Check with your HMO provider before undergoing treatment to confirm which dental services are covered.
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How Can You Save Money on Scaling and Root Planing in the Philippines?
If you’re concerned about treatment expenses, there are several ways to manage the cost without compromising your oral health.
1. Request an Itemized Quotation
Ask your dental clinic for a detailed estimate showing the cost of scaling and root planing and any additional services.
This helps you avoid unexpected charges.
2. Compare Treatment Costs
Before undergoing treatment, make sure you understand the recommended procedure, the number of teeth or quadrants involved, and the services included in the quoted fee.
Understanding your treatment plan can help you make an informed decision about your dental expenses.
3. Check Government Dental Facilities
Some government hospitals in the Philippines offer periodontal services at fees that may be lower than private clinic rates.
Contact the hospital’s dental department to confirm availability, eligibility requirements, and current prices.
4. Consider University Dental Clinics
Some dental schools in the Philippines offer supervised patient treatment at reduced fees.
You can inquire whether periodontal services are available and whether you qualify for treatment.
5. Review Your HMO Benefits
If you have dental coverage, ask your provider whether any part of your periodontal treatment is covered.
6. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth, and attending regular dental appointments can help control plaque and reduce the risk of further periodontal problems.
While these habits cannot replace necessary professional treatment, they are essential for maintaining healthy gums.
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Is Scaling and Root Planing Worth the Cost?
For patients diagnosed with periodontitis, scaling and root planing can be an important investment in long-term oral health.
The procedure helps remove bacterial deposits beneath the gums, reduce inflammation, and limit further periodontal damage.
However, it’s important to understand that scaling and root planing isn’t a guaranteed cure for gum disease.
It cannot reliably restore gum tissue or bone that has already been lost, and some patients may require additional periodontal treatment.
Even after successful treatment, ongoing dental care remains important.
Depending on your periodontal condition and individual risk factors, your dentist may recommend periodontal maintenance appointments approximately every three to six months.
With appropriate treatment, good oral hygiene, and regular professional monitoring, many patients can maintain their natural teeth for years.
Visit Tan-Mencias Dental Clinic for Healthy Teeth and Gums
If you have bleeding gums, tartar buildup, or other gum problems, visit Tan-Mencias Dental Clinic for a dental checkup. Our clinic is located at 44 G. Del Pilar Street, Parang, Marikina City. Our dental team can check your gums and help you find out if scaling and root planing is right for you. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call us at 0917-145-1074, send us a message through our Facebook page, or use the contact form on our website. We’re here to help you take care of your teeth and gums, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is deep scaling and root planing per tooth in the Philippines?
Some Philippine dental clinics charge per tooth or group of teeth, while others charge per quadrant. The actual price depends on the clinic, the number of affected teeth, and the complexity of treatment.
2. How much does full-mouth deep cleaning cost in the Philippines?
Using an estimated rate of ₱1,500–₱5,000 per quadrant, full-mouth scaling and root planing could cost approximately ₱6,000–₱20,000 or more. The actual amount depends on your treatment needs and the clinic’s pricing.
3. Is scaling and root planing the same as oral prophylaxis?
No. Oral prophylaxis is generally preventive cleaning, while scaling and root planing is a therapeutic procedure used to treat periodontal disease.
4. How many sessions does scaling and root planing require?
Treatment may be completed in one appointment or divided into multiple sessions, depending on the number of affected teeth and severity of periodontal disease.
5. Can I eat after scaling and root planing?
Yes. However, if local anesthesia was used, wait until the numbness wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your tongue, cheek, or lip. Softer foods may be more comfortable during the initial recovery period.
6. Can scaling and root planing fix receding gums?
Scaling and root planing can reduce inflammation and improve periodontal health, but it doesn’t reliably restore lost gum tissue. Significant gum recession may require additional treatment.
7. How often should scaling and root planing be done?
There is no fixed schedule for repeating scaling and root planing. Your dentist will determine whether further treatment is necessary based on your gum condition and response to previous treatment.
8. Can I get scaling and root planing at a government hospital?
Some government hospitals in the Philippines offer periodontal services, including root planing. Contact your preferred hospital’s dental department to confirm availability, fees, and appointment requirements.
9. Does PhilHealth cover deep scaling and root planing?
PhilHealth provides certain preventive oral health benefits through participating primary care providers. However, therapeutic scaling and root planing is not specifically included among the preventive services listed under PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0034. Verify current coverage directly with PhilHealth.
10. What happens if I don’t get scaling and root planing when I need it?
Untreated periodontitis can progress and damage the gums and bone supporting your teeth. In advanced cases, it may lead to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does deep scaling and root planing cost in the Philippines?
For budgeting purposes, ₱1,500–₱5,000 per quadrant is an indicative estimate, while full-mouth treatment may cost approximately ₱6,000–₱20,000 or more.
However, your actual cost will depend on your periodontal condition, the number of teeth requiring treatment, and your dental clinic’s pricing.
More importantly, scaling and root planing isn’t a procedure that everyone needs. It should only be recommended after a proper dental examination confirms that periodontal treatment is necessary.
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or other signs of periodontal disease, consider scheduling a dental consultation.
Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and consistent oral hygiene can make a meaningful difference in protecting your gums and preserving your natural teeth.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The prices mentioned are general estimates and may not reflect the actual fees charged by Tan-Mencias Dental Clinic. Actual treatment costs, procedures, and outcomes depend on individual patient needs and the dental clinic’s policies. Always consult a licensed dentist in the Philippines for an accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment recommendations, and an official quotation. Do not delay or disregard professional dental advice because of information presented in this article.