Anyone ever have a deep cleaning at the dentist?

Sue92207

Hi Ladies,

I went in for my regular cleaning and the dentist told me I needed to have a deep cleaning (aka scaling) done to remove buildup under the gumline.  They have scheduled 2 appts for me to do 1/2 of my mouth during each visit...they said theywill numb the area, but i'm still a bit nervous about the pain ( i have very sensitive teeth).   Have any of you ladies ever had this done?   TIA!!

RobinNicole

I'm a dental hygienist so I think I can answer your question. First, how long had it been since you had had a cleaning? If you had been going on a regular basis (every 6 months or so) I'm not sure why NOW they would want to do a deep cleaning. Did they mention pocketing of your gums or inflammation or anything like that? So, as far as your question goes, if you are numb you will not feel it. It won't really be too much different than a regular cleaning, they just go deeper to remove more tenacious tarter deposits and it can be a bit uncomfortable if you are not numb. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Although I would like to know more about why they suggested you have this done. Any other questions just let me know!

brdsmaid

I had one done last year.  The dentist did my whole mouth at once.  It was a long appointment and a bit tedious but I am so glad I had it done.  I was having some serious gum issues and it made such a difference!  I am a huge wimp and it really wasn't that bad.  I had a some pain because the novicaine wouldn't take in some areas.  The dentist kept giving me shots and I finally told him to just finish up the cleaning and I would deal with the pain.  My mouth looked a bit rough that night from some swelling.   

Mandalyn8

hi, I don't post much anymore, but I just had this done so I thought I'd let you know it's not that scary! I was numb on one side when they did mine, because I'd just had two fillings on that side. But I really didn't feel much on the other side when they did it. They used a little tool that vibrated and also sprayed water, I think - the thing is, the quiet buzzing was sooo much more bearable to me than the scraping sound of a regular cleaning. I actually really appreciated that aspect of it!

brdsmaid

The tool with the water is such a great dental invention.  So much better than that awful pick they scrape with.

RobinNicole

Sorry for the picking and scraping ladies, but it must be done! And the water thing you are talking about is an ultrasonic scaler. I actually hate using it on people and I find people are usually much more sensitive to that than the regular scaler.

Sue92207

Oh good, i feel a lot better now, i was seriously freaking out thinking about how awful this was going to be, but it seems like it's not so bad.  Oh, and the reason i need this deep cleaning - i've been really bad and haven't gone to the dentist in about 2 years!!  when i moved up to nh from ma, i changed jobs/insurance...and just never made the time to find a dentist.....now i'm paying the price for sure!!  I vow to never miss a cleaning again!! The dentist told me my "pockets" were between 4-5..and they want them at a 3.  Thanks for all your responses!! :-)

Mandalyn8

Susan92207:

Oh good, i feel a lot better now, i was seriously freaking out thinking about how awful this was going to be, but it seems like it's not so bad.  Oh, and the reason i need this deep cleaning - i've been really bad and haven't gone to the dentist in about 2 years!!  when i moved up to nh from ma, i changed jobs/insurance...and just never made the time to find a dentist.....now i'm paying the price for sure!!  I vow to never miss a cleaning again!! The dentist told me my "pockets" were between 4-5..and they want them at a 3.  Thanks for all your responses!! :-)

Susan, I did the exact same thing - new state, new job/insurance, didn't bother with the dentist for two years... and I paid for it with deep pockets and a couple of cavities But, hey, at least my insurance covers 4 visits a year now, so hopefully that won't happen again! good luck!