Gingivectomies and restorations

It's not an uncommon occurance: you've just finished preparing a tooth for a direct restoration or a crown and there's some gingiva in the way. Or maybe there is some inflamed tissue around your temporary.

You hook up your handy laser or electrosurgery unit and that tissue is history.

Can you charge for a single tooth GV?

Most companies consider removal of gingiva during preparation or placement of a restoration to be inclusive in the restorative procedure and not subject to a separate benefit. And since they consider it an inherent part, you can not charge the patient for this.

Does this mean that if the patient has a valid periodontal condition and needs a GV that it will not be covered? Of course not.

But make sure you have the clinical documentation of necessity to back up your diagnosis and treatment: i.e. for a GV, charting.

And our suggestion is to perform it on a different date of service to eliminate confusion. Remember that narratives can also be helpful.

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