I am leaving 1 out of 5 stars because I left the visit confused, overwhelmed, and inadequately…read moreinformed. I expected clearer communication, clearer documentation, and a more transparent explanation before being presented with a significant periodontal treatment plan.
I scheduled what I understood to be a routine dental cleaning, but the visit became a comprehensive diagnostic appointment with X-rays, CBCT, intraoral photos, and an OralFitnessCheck/aMMP-8 test. I was then told I had Stage III periodontal disease and was given a treatment plan for four-quadrant scaling and root planing, plus an added "Bac Decon/Qd" procedure.
My concern is not that periodontal disease was discussed. My concern is that I did not feel the diagnosis and treatment plan were clearly explained to me with objective documentation at the time of the visit. I was not shown a full periodontal chart with probing depths, bleeding-on-probing findings, recession, clinical attachment loss, mobility, or furcation findings. I also did not feel that the CBCT/X-ray findings were explained in a way that clearly justified a Stage III periodontal diagnosis.
Because Stage III periodontal disease is a serious diagnosis, I expected a clearer explanation of the clinical criteria, the imaging findings, and why each part of the treatment plan was necessary. I also felt overwhelmed by the financial/treatment plan when I had originally come in expecting a routine cleaning.
I have requested my complete records, including the periodontal chart, imaging, clinical notes, written diagnosis, and explanation of the treatment plan, so I can review them and seek a second opinion before moving forward. We will see if they send me my data.
Update 6/1/26: Only one test was given to me. I've asked again for all the information and called the front desk. Front desk staff said I would have this by end of day today. I will update again.
Final update 6/2/26: The office eventually sent me a PDF of my records after multiple MyChart messages and phone calls. After reviewing what they sent, I remain concerned.
The records I received do not appear to include a full periodontal chart with six-point probing depths, bleeding-on-probing findings, recession measurements, clinical attachment loss, mobility, or furcation findings. That is the type of documentation I expected to see after being told I had serious periodontal disease and being given a treatment plan for four-quadrant scaling and root planing.
The written clinical note in the records states: "Stage II, Grade B Periodontitis, Distribution: Generalized," not Stage III. This differs from what I was verbally told during the visit, which makes me agree with other 1-star reviews that they engage in "scare tactics" to have new patients agree to costly treatment plans.
The CBCT note in the records also states that alveolar bone levels were within normal limits, bone density was good around all teeth, and CBCT findings were normal. However, the exam note also states generalized mild horizontal bone loss, and the treatment plan still recommended scaling and root planing in all four quadrants plus "Bac Decon/Qd."
I have now asked the office in writing to clarify: whether a full periodontal chart was completed, whether my diagnosis is Stage II or Stage III, and how four-quadrant scaling and root planing is supported by the records they provided. My next steps are contacting my insurance to reject their additional charged services and obtain a covered second opinion due to their inconsistent reporting.
LESSON LEARNED: Please be informed about each test they are running if you are coming into this office. The time spent, the imaging taken, and the tests performed may go beyond what you expected if you scheduled a routine cleaning.
Ask in advance what procedures are being done, why they are needed, whether they are covered by your insurance, and whether you may be responsible for any non-covered costs. If you are given a serious diagnosis, ask to see the objective documentation before agreeing to treatment. For periodontal disease, that should include the periodontal chart/probing depths, bleeding-on-probing findings, recession or attachment-loss measurements, X-rays/CBCT findings, and a clear written diagnosis.
Do not feel pressured to schedule treatment immediately if you do not understand the diagnosis or the charges. Request your records and get a second opinion if needed. Good luck!