Periodontal scale and root pln $1750??!
Question: My dentist told me that I need periodontal scaling done. It is my first visit to this dentist. My previous dentist always claimed that my teeth and gums were in fine condition. Maybe they missed something? The old dentist did not seem to be as thourough either.
In any event, this dentist wants to charge me $1750.00 for this procedure. They do a quarter section of your mought at a time and I noticed that they charge an additional 200 per treatment (included in the $1750) for the laser assisted perio scaling. I have a friend who had this done for around $350 total and they did not use any laser treatment.
The dentist claims the laser is to heal up the gum (caterize sp?) and kill bacteria.
I will do it if needed, I just want to make sure this price isn't exhorbant.
Thanks for any info.
Answers: My dentist told me that I need periodontal scaling done. It is my first visit to this dentist. My previous dentist always claimed that my teeth and gums were in fine condition. Maybe they missed something? The old dentist did not seem to be as thourough either.
In any event, this dentist wants to charge me $1750.00 for this procedure. They do a quarter section of your mought at a time and I noticed that they charge an additional 200 per treatment (included in the $1750) for the laser assisted perio scaling. I have a friend who had this done for around $350 total and they did not use any laser treatment.
The dentist claims the laser is to heal up the gum (caterize sp?) and kill bacteria.
I will do it if needed, I just want to make sure this price isn't exhorbant.
Thanks for any info.
I'm a dentist.
On behalf of my profession, I apologize.
You are being ripped off. The laser treatment is a totally unnecessary component of periodontal scaling and root planing. In fact, the benefit of using a laser in such procedures is questionable at best. Furthermore, cautery is unnecessary for scaling and root planing procedures, and cautery certainly does not help the tissues heal faster. My guess is that your doctor purchased the laser fairly recently and doesn't really understand how they work and what their intended purpose is. I use a laser in my practice for various soft-tissue surgeries as well as to help control bleeding during procedures where I need dry gingiva. And yes, lasers can be used to debride periodontal pockets. But to consider it an additional and separate procedure to scaling and root planing (and charge $200 for it) is grossly unethical in my opinion.
Now, I generally shy away from disagreeing with diagnoses made by other doctors, simply because I can't examine the people posting on this forum. However, this scaling/root planing laser beeswax is a bunch of horsesh*t. If I were in your shoes, I'd tell him to perform the "traditional" scaling/root planing, and not use the laser.
As far as the fees for traditional scaling/root planing, it can vary significantly from locality to locality and even from practice to practice. My practice charges $225 per quadrant. If you go to a periodontist, they will charge more.
go somewhere else. I had it done for 175 each side and i flipped over that
Seems steep. Get a 2nd opinion, but don't do nothing as you can't risk bad gums!
Ask your regular dentist to give you names of more periodontists that you can consult with. Be aware, though, that they may charge you for the office visit.
I have big dental problems. 20 years of anti-depressants and their side effects (dry mouth) have rendered my all my teeth deeply decayed or abcessing. I am now on an antibiotic permanently until all my teeth can be pulled and dentures installed. I'm 46 years old. A comfortable removable denture (held on with implants) will cost $30-50K.
TX Mom
P.S. I've consulted 6 dentists, periodontists, prosthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons.
It is definitely plausible that laser would kill additional bacteria that physical scaling misses, so it would be more thorough a procedure. That is what you are paying the extra cost for. If you are concerned about the cost, see if your dentist is on one of the networks below, it could save you about 50%-60% for the same procedure as a member. Also I suggest that you follow the scaling/root planing/laser by daily brush, floss and water treatment at home. That way the bacteria will also Stay away. I recently found an eBook about that.