Can this be a scam?
Added: June 16, 2007 - 8:57 AM
By: vivianrussell40@yahoo.com, Pembroke Pines, FL
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
No
X-rays Available:
No
Case Summary
Gum Surgery
Teeth:
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: 2 years ago
Last Cleaning: 2 years ago
Case Description
I went to a new dentist the other day that was on my insurance policy. The staff was very pleasant but the hygienist discovered (much to my horror) that I had moderate to advanced periodontal disease. In fact the only hope I have is to have deep root scaling and cleaning. She said that it was very expensive but she would give me a discount because she felt so badly for me. She even had to ask the dentist for his permission because of the hefty discount she was willing to offer me. There were no xrays taken or prescriptions offerred although she was concerned because the infection in my gums could even cause me to have a heart attack! The procedure was still very expensive and although she was booked for several months she would take a shorter lunch and perform the procedure within the next few days. I realized later that my insurance covers this for a fraction of her estimate if I went to a periodontist. I was never offered a referral for a specialist. Can she even perform this procedure herself? Is it common to diagnose this without xrays (which btw are free for me)? There were other issues as well but for the moment my concern is that I may be letting myself open for an unnecessary procedure at the hands of an unscrupulous office. I may have appeared to be an easy target. Any advice would be welcome.
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Reply: Can this be a scam?
added: June 17, 2007 - 5:41 PM
Hi!Periodontal disease or any other diagnosis is complete with diagnostic xrays. If you have moderate to advanced periodontal disease it will show on the xrays as having bone loss and presence of calculus below the gum line. Its a must to have xrays taken. You have to complement a diagnosis with them. If this is the case you will need scaling and root planning, and improvement on your home care to prevent that the condition progresses. After that you will need regular cleanings done by your hygienist every 3-4 months. Did they check your periodontal pockets???It sounds weird that they wouldnt take xrays. Maybe they had a reason to it, insurance wise....If you have a PPO you wouldnt have to pay for the scling and root planning procedure in my office. Let us know if you have more questions so we can help you and do not wait to start treatment because if you have periodontal disease you need to treat it now.Hope this helps a bit,Sincerely,Dr Soltanik
Reply: Can this be a scam?
added: June 17, 2007 - 9:37 PM
Dear VivianI am very concern that the diagnosis of periodontal disease was made solely on the clinical examination when x-rays are required for an accurate diagnosis. Actually, it is borderline malpractice. However, a properly trained hygienist can treat peridontal disease non-surgically through scaling and root planing with local anesthesia. It is the first line of treatment in any peridontal situation. There is a caveat to this. Even in light of non-surgical treatment, if your periodontal disease is not controlled by scaling and root planing, you may still require a periodontist to surgically treat these problem areas. You should be informed of this.
Reply: Can this be a scam?
added: June 25, 2007 - 1:27 PM
see a periodontist. would be happy to refer you to one
Reply: Can this be a scam?
added: October 11, 2007 - 11:56 PM
Hi, I know that this response is monthes later. If you have not already done so, it would be a good idea to go see a periodontist. As far as x-rays, they are needed to properly diagnose and treat periodontal disease along with periodontal charting. It is crucial to have a full mouth of xrays taken to see the bone level fully. However, you can still often see periodontal disease even though x-rays were not taken. The gums look red and inflamed. Visibly calculus (hardened plaque deposits) coat the teeth. These deposits can be felt under the gums with an explorer (dental instrument). Without x-rays however, the extent of damage by way of bone loss cannot be accurately assessed. Also, a periodontal chart (gum measurements), can determine periodontal pockets - areas of inflamed gum tissue due to the disease. Pockets 4mm and over are indicators of active periodontal disease. Pockets 6mm and over often require surgery by a periodontist. Pockets 4-5 mm are treated generally with non-surgical scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). This non-surgical procedure can be done by a dental hygienist or periodontist. As far as insurance covering deep cleaning, I have never heard of an insurance covering it at 100%. There usually is some type of copayment. If you would like a referral to a periodontist in your area, please call my office at 561-433-9694. Hope that this helps, Dr Miriam Rubano www.terrificsmilespb.com
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