Part One

Why do I need to come back in 3-4 months? My insurance only covers two cleanings per year.

You have a chronic bacterial infection called periodontal disease.  By measuring the pockets surrounding your teeth, evaluating the gum tissue, and reviewing your radiographs, your dentist and hygienist have discovered the infection in your gums.

As your dentist and hygienist mentioned,  1-3mm pockets without bleeding and recession are typically considered healthy. Deeper pocket depths of 4mm or greater with bleeding indicate gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) or possibly periodontitis, a more advanced infection, which is characterized by the loss of bone support. Patients who have periodontitis are not able to clean the infected periodontal pockets by regular brushing and flossing. A dentist or hygienist must use special instruments to remove the bacterial toxins, typically every 90-120 days to prevent further bone loss. Without adequate bone support tooth loss may occur.

Considering your insurance benefits, it is true that most dental plans allow tow cleanings a year for healthy patients.  For patients with periodontal disease, however, you have separate benefits aimed at arresting the bacterial infection and preventing additional bone loss. Depending on the premiums paid by you and/or your employer, periodontal benefits usually range from 30-80 percent. A deductible may also apply.

Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, we are obligated to provide your dental plan with the appropriate billing codes and sometimes a copy of your periodontal measurements and radiographs.  Legally and ethically, as your dental care team, we cannot ignore the infection in your mouth. Be assured that we will do our best to see that you receive the dental benefits provided by your employer.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS