Regular cleaning vs. “scaling”?

[Treehugger]

Saw a new dentist for a check up and cleaning. Felt very comfortable with both dentist and hygienist, but a couple of surprises have me concerned. First, I was billed for a “scaling” rather than a cleaning, which was not covered in full by insurance. During the visit, no one mentioned I needed or would be having anything other than a regular cleaning. The cleaning I experienced didn’t seem any different than previous cleanings at other dental offices, so I called the office to see if an error had been made. The receptionist said this cleaning was needed for moderate to severe gingivitis with swelling, etc. but this does not sound like my situation at all. In any event, shouldn’t I have been told if something other than a routine cleaning was going to happen? And how is scaling different? Is it pretty obviously different than a regular cleaning? I would have noticed the procedure was different, right?

Also, a type of cavity detection system was used (previous dentist didn’t have this) and the dentist suggests 5 teeth need work. Never have I had 5 cavities at once, and am not currently having any symptoms. Reluctant to schedule another appointment.

Are these red flags? The practice was recommended to me and the office seemed friendly and professional.

Thanks for comments.

 

[letsconnect]

A "scale and polish" is a regular cleaning which takes place during one visit (see https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/faq/scale-and-polish/ ).

A deep cleaning (deep scaling and root planing) is a treatment for gum disease, carried out over 2 to 4 appointments (see https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/faq/deep-cleaning/ ).

It sounds as if you had a regular cleaning (which includes scaling, i.e. removing hardened plaque deposits knowns as "tartar", "calculus" or "scale" - hence the term "scaling").

There might be a difference between the terminology or coding used by the dental office and your insurance, leading to a misunderstanding?

If it was me, I would definitely get a second opinion regarding the cavities.

Best of luck

 

[Moxie]

My scaling involved 4 appointments, doing one quadrant each time, novacaine, and pretty sore gums for a couple of days. It doesn’t sound like that is what you had.

 

[geos]

My dentist's office writes "scaling" for regular cleaning and "root planing" for the deep cleaning.

 

[jadon77]

treehugger, maybe your cleaning was a debridement. It's a more intensive cleaning for those with heavy tarter build up.

My dentist's office writes "scaling" for regular cleaning and "root planing" for the deep cleaning.

At least they didn't write down prophylaxis.