Berkeley Parents Network: Deep Teeth Cleaning

Berkeley Parents Network

Deep Teeth Cleaning

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Advice about Health > Deep Teeth Cleaning

Aug 2004

Has anyone had a deep cleaning done at the dentist? My understanding is you go in for two separate appointments that last 2 hrs each where they really dig deep and clean around the gum base. My dentist is recommending it but to be honest, I'm not looking forward to going through this at all. My questions are: has anyone done this and were the results positive enough to make it worthwhile? Has anyone instead pursued another option and been successful in reducing the amount of plaque build up around the gum line? How painful was this or was it no big deal? I'm wondering if going in for 3 month cleanings for a year is an alternative. Any suggestions or experiences would be welcome. Wimpy dental patient

I had deep cleaning done early this year. It was two appointments about 45min each. The dentist numbed the area, cleaning one side of the mouth each time. It wasn't a pleasant process but very effective. Judy

Don't hesitate! Despite good intentions, I never end up going for cleanings often enough and I'm poor at regularly flossing, so I consider this procedure a life-saver, as I'm prone to heavy plaque build-up and gingivitus. I've had a deep-cleaning procedure done twice in the last few years, the first time by an oral surgeon and just recently by my new dentist. Both times it was not very uncomfortable or painful at all -- really not a big deal -- and the results in dental/gum health are well worth it! Do yourself a big favor ! and just do it. One who knows

I asked about this about a year ago, and thanks to the advice I got from people on this list, I went ahead and did it. My pockets went from mostly 6's and 5's to mostly 2's and 3's, and my dentist was very happy with the results (and so was I!). I was very nervous about doing it, but it's really not a big deal-- they will use the local anesthetic and it is uncomfortable to have half your mouth numb for a few hours after the cleaning, but that's the only drawback. I am now doing cleaning every 3 months to maintain things. I don't think that just doing more frequent cleanings will accomplish the same thing--they need to really get in deep to remove the plaque and make a nice surface for the gums to heal back onto. signed: happy teeth

I just had a deep cleaning on three quadrants. If you are told you need it, it's because they need to get beneath the gums where you cannot reach with dental floss or toothbrush and where your regular hygienist usually doesn't go when you get your teeth cleaned biannually. It didn't hurt for me. In fact, I felt like my gums were getting massaged, and I liked that feeling. If your gums/teeth are more sensitive than mine, you can get anesthetic applied. It may take a little longer and cost a little more (may not be covered by insurance.) I would definitely recommend doing it to guard against further decay and gum disease. If you don't do it, you take the risk of bacteria continuing to build, possible inflammation and tenderness, and then your body's immune system reacting to the presence of bacteria. I have also had periodontal surgery, and you don't want to go there! My periodontist is Dr. Gauss at Rockridge Dental. She is very! smart and very good. anonymous

I'm a wimp like yourself and was pretty anxious when given the same recommendation (partly my fault, though, for not sufficiently flossing). I was numbed up, and after getting over the shots, didn't feel anything but the pressure from the cleaning. My gums/mouth definitely felt better/cleaner, and outside of the quick pricks from the shots, completely painless. It might have helped that my dentist's office offers headsets that allow patients to watch movies while having work done. Honestly, I truly dread my annual visit, and these additional trips weren't that bad. If anything, it made me better at flossing! Good luck! anon

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