All you wanted to know about health funds but were afraid to ask – Item no. 300-458 – Oral Surgery and Endodontics

Oral surgery (items 311-399)

E.g. Extractions, surgical removals, surgery of the bone or soft tissue

311 – Extractions – non surgical.
314 – Extraction where the tooth roots are separated and removed one at a time.
322-324 – Various types of surgical removal of a tooth.

These items may have a 12 month waiting period when joining for the first time. Also if you are on a low level of cover you may not be covered at all. This also applies to remaining numbers 331 onwards.

Endodontics (items 411-458)

E.g. Root canal therapy

This category may have a 12 month waiting period when joining for the first time. Also if you are on a low level of cover you may not be covered at all.

Root canal treatment is usually achieved in two visits where:

1st visit:

• 415 – Preparation of the 1st canal
• 416 – Preparation of each additional canal (some back teeth have 4 canals)

2nd visit:

• 417 – Sealing of the 1st canal
• 416 – Sealing of each additional canal (some back teeth have 4 canals)

Xrays are needed to check the files that clean the canals are at the end of the root and that the seal is done well. Item no. 022 is then used.

455 – Sometimes additional cleaning visits are need.
419 – Is treatment in an emergency situation of the root canal before complete root canal treatment of the tooth can be done.

Please note – the final filling of the tooth above the root canal treatment is a separate charge. Often crowns (item no. 613-615) of these teeth maybe indicated to protect the tooth.

Next week: Restorative services (items 511-597) E.g. Tooth coloured or metal fillings