My Dentist referred me to a Periodontal Doctor
Added: August 29, 2007 - 10:00 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Las Vegas, NV
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
No
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Gum Surgery
Teeth:
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: 8/22/07
Last Cleaning: 8/22/07
Case Description
I went to get my regular teeth cleaning and my dentist thought I needed to see a periodontal doctor due to my sensitivity to a cleaning in her office. The last two times I have had my teeth cleaned at this office, I really didn't think the hygenist was doing a great job. I am in my early fourties and always have taken care of my teeth with regular dental appointments and good oral hygiene. I have always had sensitive teeth. I did have a deep root cleaning two years ago, and the follow-up appointment determined that it had helped alot. The Periodontal Dentist told me that I had some deep pockets (two 7's, one 6, the rest 3's and 4's). He recommended gum surgery. Can anyone tell me if I could just get a deep root planing again instead of surgery? At what point do you need this type of surgery - does the few deep pockets I have warrent surgery or a deep cleaning? Also, I want a second opinion, any suggestions? Thank you ahead of time!
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Reply: My Dentist referred me to a Periodontal Doctor
added: August 30, 2007 - 11:56 AM
You are smart to take your gum condition seriously. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that destroys the bone supporting your teeth. As the bone rots away, gums react to the infection by filling with blood and puss. Eventually the teeth loosen and need to be removed.The good news is that we now understand gum disease better than ever and there are treatments that can help. Non surgical scaling and root planing removes bacteria and deposits that have accumulated beneath the gums. With regular 3-4 month follow-up the disease can often be stabilized; however in cases where the bacterial accumulations have gotten very deep (like your 7 mm deep "pockets") surgery might be needed to properly clean the infection from the roots of the teeth.It sounds to me like your general dentist has your best interest at heart when referring you to a periodontist for surgery. However, if you would like a second opinion, my office offers free consultations. Simply request a copy of your x-rays and records and bring them to our office at the time of your scheduled consult. The other option is to have a complete new examination done with a new set of digital x-rays.
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