Hello!

I just got dental savings and I want to make an appointment to get a cleaning. Problem is on this paper that I have is confusing. I'm trying to find how much it would cost to get a cleaning but it had all these scientific words that I've never even heard of before. So my question is, is there another name for a "cleaning"?? If so, could someone please tell me what it is... I'm so confused. I'm taking a guess and saying that it would be called a Periodic Oral Evaluation but I'm not sure.

Thanks you guys!

An oral evaluation is an examination, no cleaning. You should be looking for words like scaling, root planing, debridement, prophylaxis, periodontal scaling. If you can scan what you have and send it private message to me I can decipher it for you.

Thanks. Do you know another name for a cleaning then? Like what would the dentist call that?

Scaling and root planing are the first 2 words that come to mind. Where do you live?

I live in Harrisburg PA

I can't think of any other words used for cleaning, scaling, root planing, prophy are used in the US. Perhaps the word periodontal may have been used? Do you have to word there on your estimate? Maybe if you list the words that are on the form that you find confusing I can explain them to you. You COULD always call the dental office and ask THEM to explain what's there. It's easier to explain if it can be seen.

Ok thank you

I think the word you are looking for is "prophylaxis" or "prophy" for short. This is the cleaning aspect of a dental visit, but it's rare for an office to just do this one things and send you home. Most of the time there is also an exam and necessary x-rays.

Oh OK, Thank you very much. You guys helped a lot

I wish you'd tell us what word had you stumped!

I wanted to know what Periodic Oral Evaluation meant. That was the word I was talking about

It means 'checkup'.

I thought from your original post you were looking for another word for "cleaning"!

Yeah I was wondering what another word for it was. I was waiting to see if anyone would say Periodic Evauation.

I was asking because I just got a dental discount membership and it showed priced of certain things. But of course it didn't have any easy words like how much it would be for a "cleaning" or a "filling" (you know, words that I would understand). It had all these smart dentist words that I've never heard of before

Periodic evaluation has nothing to do with cleaning. Periodic evaluation would be examination only.

OK thanks