Re: Did I actually get a deep-cleaning?

A deep cleaning (also called root planing or perio scaling) will usually
take 30-45 minutes per quadrant. Anesthesia is usually used too - usually
injections, but on some occasions only a gel anesthetic can be used. Also,
prior to your root planing, you should have had measurements made of your
gum pockets, called Periodontal Charting. When pockets are over 5mm in
depth is when most dentists agree a root planing is indicated.

Sounds to me like something is wrong. Maybe you had only half of your deep
cleaning and they billed the entire mouth out accidentally? (billing errors
do happen). You should contact the office and ask for an explanation. If
they cannot give you a reasonable answer, go to the office in person and ask
for a photocopy of your dental chart. That will tell you more. They might
charge you a little (like 25 cents a page or so) for the copies, but that is
legal.

It is possible to root plane an entire mouth in only 20 minutes, but highly
unlikely! Maybe you have only 4 or 5 teeth left? Kidding..... Anyway, no
reputable dentist would recommend that practice....... I usually spend
60 -90 minutes for 2 quadrants of root planing, and use anesthesia.

BTW Why didn't you have to pay anything? Usually there is a copay and
deductible involved. If they waived it, thats illegal on their part.

Dr. Abu

================================================
"Patient" <dvo@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:bevGg.1741$1R5.1024@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I had a dental appointment a few weeks ago - oral examination, X-rays and a
cleaning procedure. The entire cleaning procedure took about 20-25 min max.
When after the procedure I asked the dentist whether I needed deep-cleaning
he (looking slightly embarrassed) said that deep-cleaning is what I just
got.

Today I got an invoice from my dental insurance:

The actual cleaning procedure:
7/4 - took 20 minutes

Invoice:
Perio Scaling UL 07/04 $188
Perio Scaling UR 07/04 $188
Perio Scaling LR 07/11 $188
Perio Scaling LL 07/11 $188

I did have an unrelated filling appointment on 7/11 and I am 100% positive
there was no cleaning involved.

I don't have to pay anything, The insurance covered it but the charges
maxed out my annual benefits amount. Anyway is it realistic to get a deep
cleaning procedure during one 20-25 minute session without even knowing
about it? And if not what should I do about the situation.

Thanks




.

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