Process of wisdom tooth removal

[kk2008]

I recently had a wisdom tooth removed (tooth #1) because of decay. The tooth was errupted and the removal was done in the dentist's office with novicaine and had no complications.

After receiveing the bill, I realized that the dentist had charge for the extraction as well as an alveoplasty. My insurance is saying that alveoplasty is only necessary when the gum is being prepared for dentures (I am not getting dentures) and that a standard extraction includes a smooting of the bone to promote healing. I am wondering if it is standard practice to say that the alveoplasty is a separate procedure from the extraction. As you may have guessed, my insurance will not cover the cost of the alveoplasty ($248) because they don't believe it should be billed separately.

I would appreciate any input you may have as to whether or not most dentists would bill in this fashion.

Thank you,
Kristin

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

No.  I wouldn't say its a typical charge to do an alveoloplasty after a third molar extraction.  Billing disputes are tough and will be hard to resolve.  See if you can discuss the charges again with the dentist first.  

[kk2008]

The dentist did not tell me that he would be performing an alveoplasty. He indicated it was a simple extraction and nothing more. When I asked him why the alveoplasty was necessary, he responded that he did the work and wants to get paid. My insurance is insistant that it is part of an extraction to smooth the gumline. I am just trying to figure out if dentists typically charge separate to smooth the gums if dentures are not needed.

Thank you,
Kristin  

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Its hard for me to say because I wasn't the dentist who treated you.  But normally, an alveolplasty is done for recontouring of the bone to help with the fit of a denture, either currently or in the future.  You may want to ask your dentist why the alveoplasty was done.  Doesn't your dentist usually give you an estimated charge prior to treatment?