How to Find the Best Dental Insurance for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common infection that affects the gums and bones that support your teeth. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults age 30 and older have this condition.¹ While gum disease often starts mild, it can progress into a more serious condition without treatment. As a result, many people search for the best dental insurance for periodontal disease to help manage their dental expenses. Read on to learn what periodontal disease is, what causes it and how dental insurance with periodontal coverage can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

4 min. read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Gum disease is a common condition that can worsen over time without proper treatment.
Preventive care and early treatment can help lower your overall dental expenses.
Aflac's dental insurance with periodontal coverage may help reduce the cost of treatments like deep cleanings and oral surgery, as well as many other preventive, basic and major services.

What is gum disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. This infection typically develops in two stages:²

Gingivitis is the earliest stage, characterized by red, swollen or bleeding gums. It’s often reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings.
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage where the infection spreads below the gumline, potentially leading to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

What causes periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease develops when plaque builds up on your teeth and along your gumline. While regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings can help remove plaque, it may harden into tartar if it isn’t cleared away regularly.

Over time, plaque buildup can spread below the gumline, irritating your gums and leading to inflammation and infection.

Along with poor oral hygiene habits, some factors that can increase your risk of gum disease include:³

Smoking
Diabetes and other health conditions
Certain medications
Stress
Poor nutrition

Common types of periodontal disease

Gum disease manifests in several forms. Understanding the different types can help you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate care.

The most common types of gum disease include:⁴

Gingivitis: The mildest stage of gum disease, which is often reversible with proper care. Common symptoms include sensitive, bleeding, red or swollen gums, mouth sores and bad breath.
Chronic periodontitis: A long-term condition that can lead to gum recession, deep gum pockets and bone loss if left untreated.
Aggressive periodontitis: A faster-progressing form of gum disease that can cause rapid damage to gum and bone tissue, often requiring scaling and root planing and antibiotics.
Periodontitis from systemic diseases: A form caused by certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, that weaken your immune system.
Necrotizing periodontal disease: A rare but severe form of gum disease that can cause pain and potential tissue death, which may require oral surgery to remove damaged tissue.

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Does dental insurance cover periodontal disease?

Many dental insurance plans include some level of periodontal coverage, especially for medically necessary treatments. For example, dental insurance may help cover:

Periodontal maintenance
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
Other non-surgical treatments
Surgical periodontal procedures

Aflac's dental insurance can help cover both non-surgical and surgical periodontal services, making it a strong option if you’re looking for dental insurance with periodontal coverage.

How does dental insurance work?

Dental insurance helps pay for dental care in exchange for a monthly premium. Depending on your plan, your policy may also have:

Deductibles: The amount you pay before coverage begins
Copayments or coinsurance: The portion of your care you must pay out of pocket
Annual maximums: The total amount your insurer will pay toward your dental services each year

Many plans offer full coverage for preventive care and partial coverage for more advanced treatments, including those related to periodontal disease.

Dental insurance policies can be quite affordable, with average monthly premiums ranging from $26 to $52.⁵

What else does dental insurance cover?

In addition to periodontal treatments, dental insurance may help cover preventive care, including routine cleanings, exams and X-rays, as well as major basic services like:

Fillings
Root canals
Tooth extractions
Crowns
Oral surgery
Anesthesia

Some dental insurance plans may also include orthodontic or prosthodontic services, depending on their coverage details.

Periodontal Disease Coverage FAQs

What is the best dental insurance for periodontal disease?

The best dental insurance for periodontal disease is a plan that includes coverage for both non-surgical and surgical treatments, such as deep cleanings, periodontal maintenance and gum surgery.

Does dental insurance cover gum disease treatment?

Many dental insurance plans offer some level of periodontal coverage. However, coverage amounts vary by plan, so it’s important to review your policy details closely.

How much does periodontal treatment cost without insurance?

Treatment costs for periodontal disease can vary widely depending on the severity of your condition and treatment protocol. Deep cleanings typically cost a few hundred dollars per quadrant,⁶ while bone grafting can cost thousands of dollars without insurance.⁷

Can dental insurance help prevent gum disease?

Yes. Most dental insurance plans fully cover preventive care, such as routine cleanings and exams. These services can help you remove plaque and tartar buildup and reduce your risk of developing gum disease.

Get a quote for Aflac dental insurance with periodontal coverage

Gum disease may be mild at first, but it can become serious without treatment. Having the best dental insurance for periodontal disease can reduce the costs of periodontal disease treatment and help you maintain a healthy smile.

Aflac offers dental insurance plans that help cover preventive, basic and major services, including periodontal care. You can also use our supplemental dental insurance to help cover additional expenses not covered by your primary plan.

Speak with an Aflac agent today to explore your options and get a quote.

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