Dental Charges - Band 2 'clean'

phoenix__

Hi all,

I've had my second annual checkup with the current dentist; both this time and last time he did what I have always known as a basic 'scale' however he has done it over 2 visits (both lasting no more than 10 minutes each) and said it was band 2 treatment.

Looking at the list of band treatments, "(i) scaling, polishing and marginal correction of fillings" is band 1, and "(a) non-surgical periodontal treatment including root-planing, deep scaling, irrigation of periodontal pockets and subgingival curettage and all necessary scaling and polishing" is band 2.

I haven't been able to find much information about what 'deep scaling' actually when compared to a band 1 scaling is; and I wonder if my dentist is splitting something that could be done in one go into 2 appointment and then saying it's band 2 (even though it's the overall work done, rather than number of appointments that defines which band it is).

Does anyone have any suggestions or advise about what a deep scaling is, and how I can find out if I am receiving the correct procedure / charge?

Cheers,

brook2jack

In general , scaling and polishing done with a check up on one visit is band one.

Scaling and polishing done over two or more visits would be band two. It doesn't have to include root planing etc just the condition of your gums which should be measured at check up justifies more than one visit of scaling.

phoenix__

Thanks brook2jack, from what you've said, there is no way for me to know if what I'm having done is right or just an attempt to charge band 2. I could have accepted just the first checkup with a new dentist, but needing it the following year seems a little dubious (it's me + partner, and we have both had exactly the same thing each time).

brook2jack

If you only see the dentist once a year, or don't floss, or use tepe brushes then it is quite possible you both need two visits.

If ,however, your x rays show no problems, your gum health scores are good, you floss and or use tepe brushes and you feel you are not in need of scaling then perhaps it's time to look for a different dentist.