About Mark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
Dentistry - New immediate dentures / extraction "irrigation" fee
Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 4/10/2009
Question I recently had a complete immediate upper denture made, and had the 12
remaining upper teeth (mostly root stubs) removed. My DMO pays 100%
usual and customary charges for extractions, and did in this case. However,
the dentist ended up billing me $60 per tooth for "saline irrigation." Since my
DMO doesn't consider this a necessity (at least not at that cost), they
declined.
I'm certainly not accusing the dentist of anything improper, but the billing
procedures of this large, multi-dentist clinic are unusual. Is it usual for a
dental practice to charge patients for saline irrigation? I mean... we're talking
salt water here, yes? To make matters worse, I don't recall the dentist doing
any irrigation on most of these teeth. She had me rinse after the sutures were
in place, but that's it.
Answer Dear Phillip,
I share your suspicion.
While I don't profess to know the conditions under which irrigation was deemed appropriate treatment, it is seldom performed in the course of routine extractions. In fact, it is more customary to avoid any unnecessary manipulation of the extraction sockets in order to allow the natural blood clotting process to proceed unimpeded.
I can think of little rational reason to break out a separate billable irrigation procedure except to pad the bill. Times are hard, true, but I would prefer that my colleagues aim for a higher standard of integrity.
Hope this helps...
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
