I'm going for my very first cleaning ever. In fact, this is only my 2nd time to the dentist ever, first time was in May when parts of my front teeth started to break off.

well, she wants me to do a deep cleaning, which i'm doing this week and next. they are doing 1/2 of my mouth each day. with insurance it will be $100 each time, so $200 altogether. one of my friends said, that his dentist just bills me, but when i called, mine requires to be paid upfront, which is why i'm wondering...

what is the difference between a regular cleaning & a deep cleaning? with my insurance, a regular cleaning is no cost. i know the dentist said, my teeth are full of calcuim build up and i even admit, they look and feel gross, but the money issue has me a bit cautious.

i would really appreciate anyone who can tell me what the difference is and if maybe i should book a regular cleaning instead?

thanks so much,
char

A deep cleaning is a periodontal scaling. Its purpose is to clean all the tarter buildup below the gumline. This is VERY important in your case ~ most likely you have quite a bit below the gumline since you have not ever had your teeth cleaned (you are not the only person either - I know a couple of people that have probably not had a cleaning, at least not in their adult lives). The idea is to prevent, treat, and arrest the development of periodontal disease which could ultimately lead to the loss of your teeth. The proceedure is quite straightforward and fairly simple.

The difference in a periodontal scaling and a regular cleaning is a regular cleaning just cleans the surface of the teeth and along the gumline.

As for the dental insurance thing, MOST insurance pays 100% for "basic preventive" things such as a certain number of diagnostic exrays and 2 regular cleanings a year. For things that do not fall in to this catigory - periodontal treatment (including scalings), root canals, bridges and crowns, extractions, fillings, etc - your insurance will require a copay - in your case, $100 per visit. This is very standard practice.

As for the dentist requiring payment upfront, there are a lot of dentists that do this. Many do not want to or cannot pay a person to spend all day just dealing with insurance companies. Also, insurance companies are horrible about paying the dentist promptly, but you will probably get a check much faster. And insurance companies try to haggle with the dental office over the cost of proceedures, but will not do this to you. Don't think this is unusual or should throw up warning flags - it is quite normal for a dentist to require payment upfront and ask you to file your claim.

Good luck with your upcomming proceedures. You are on your way to good dental health that will improve you appearance, self-esteem, and overall health!