Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
No
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Gum Surgery
Extractions / Oral Surgery
Teeth:
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: 4-6 months ago
Last Cleaning: dont recall
Case Description
I have a deep cleaning scheduled for later this month. I have been told its no big deal. I do have inflamed gums but no pain and no loose teeth. on another thread i read this:
I'm a dental hygienist who does periodontal scaling and root planing when necessary. Many people come to our office from a particular chain of dental offices in our area, all of whose patients "need" this perio treatment. Some of them really do need it, but many more are being told they need perio treatment when their particular issue is gingivitis. The difference is that gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually due to plaque and tartar below and around the gums. Periodontal disease is when there is actual damage to the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. Many offices use only periodontal charting, or probing measurements to determine what treatment you require. If you have inflamed gums, they will be swollen and the reading may be the same as if you have bone loss. Bone loss can be diagnosed using xrays in addition to the perio probing.
I would probably ask friends and family in the area for recommendations to a dentist that doesn't automatically treat every patient for perio disease. They exist, I work for one!
ps For gingivitis with heavy tartar, we perform a gross debridement, code D4355. While this isn't generally covered by most insurances, or may be at a reduced fee, it's nowhere near as expensive as perio scaling, code D4341.
If you really do have periodontal disease, you're gonna need treatment, as well as perio maintenance cleanings every 3 months, also generally not covered 100%.
I would suggest a second opinion unless they can show you the bone loss on your xrays. You can google for periodontal disease and find tons of info. Best wishes in getting to the bottom of things.
So my question is do i need this procedure? No one mentioned bone loss, is there another option? should i get a second opinion?
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Reply: Deep Cleaning
added: October 07, 2009 - 11:30 AM
Second opinion
Reply: Deep Cleaning
added: October 07, 2009 - 12:10 PM
The hygienist who replied was correct, except that early bone loss does not always show up clearly on an xray. The diagnosis is generally made from the clinical appearance, and the x-rays are used to supplement and confirm. Scaling and root planings (sometimes called deep cleanings) are usually done when the gum pockets are at least 4 millimeters deep. When the gum pocket is at least 5 mm, there is virtually always some level of bone loss. The purpose of the S/RP is to clean things up so the gums can grow back against the tooth. This procedure usually takes 2 to 4 1 hour appointments, unless the periodontal disease is limited to a just few areas.Whenever you are concerned about a diagnosis and the treatment that''''s been recommended, it''''s never harmful to have someone else take a look and get their opinion.If there is anything my office can do to help, give us a call.
Reply: Deep Cleaning
added: October 07, 2009 - 3:12 PM
You have a couple of great questions. The first one seems to be: "If I don''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''t have pain or loose teeth, but only bleeding gums, do I really have gum disease?" If your practice (Doctor or hygienist) isn''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''t making CRYSTAL clear exactly WHAT type of gum problem you have, and explaining it in a way that makes sense to you, then how do you know what''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s really going on? They ought to also explain what TREATMENT should be done and what happens if you DON''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''T do it (as well as what it will feel like and what to plan on afterward)Another comment is "IF I need deep cleaning, is it REALLY no big deal?" After 21 years in practice, some hygienists are excellent are making you comfortable and others (unfortunately) make you feel like you have had your teeth scraped for two hours. There is a BIG difference.Visit us at: www.ScottGreenhalghDDS.com if you need more info or contact us directly at newark4@msn.com if we can be of any other help.
Reply: Deep Cleaning
added: October 08, 2009 - 9:59 AM
You have asked some excellent questions and received some great responses. Gum disease as you are aware can lead to other health issues we understand you concerns. I always encourage my patients if they have doubts to get a second opinion. We offer a no charge consultation. I would be happy to see you and give you my opinion. Sincerely,Dr Frances Engler(303)232-2828
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