Scaling and Root Planing??!!

[schoolgirl]

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[drPheta]

In general, Scaling and Root Planing is done by quadrants or halves. You will be able to chew on one side, and they will (should) use topical anesthetic. Don't be afraid, though it is natural, but the dentist/hygienist will be as gentle as possible.

Ask the dentist and hygienist about the procedure, and mention to them about your dinner plans. Also, let them know about your anxiety about the procedure (which is minimally invasive, at best). The topical anesthetic is there to keep you comfortable, as the hand instruments can put a bit of pressure on sensitive (possibly inflamed and more sensitive than usual) tissue.

This is something that is routinely done, but it is odd that he didn't mention your gingival health before scheduling a scaling and root planing appt. Be sure to discuss the issue (if any) before the procedure. That way you are in the know and both of you are happy. I'm sure he/she's just trying to keep you healthy. It's rare (at least I think so) to come across a dentist who is so periodontally involved, and it's a good thing he is so perio happy.

 

[DcS]

In general, Scaling and Root Planing is done by quadrants or halves. You will be able to chew on one side, and they will (should) use topical anesthetic. Don't be afraid, though it is natural, but the dentist/hygienist will be as gentle as possible.

At UNC if we are really doing a true SC/RP we use local anesthetic in just about all cases.

 

[DDSSlave]

... we use local anesthetic in just about all cases.

👍

 

[Darksunshine]

Hello,

I have an appt. for scaling and root planing, but the dentist did not say that I had any type of gum disease, just that it had been so long since my last cleaning that I needed to do the procedure. Do dentists ever just do this procedure for "deep cleaning"? I am supposed to go to a dinner that night, will I be able to? How much pain will I be in?

Hi!

I can help you out here (been a hygienist for 5 plus years). From what I can "gather" from your post. You haven't had your teeth cleaned in a while. You can expect to be a little sore, and most likely you won't even need an ibuprofen to help you out. This of course will vary if you are a: smoker, have heavy deposits under the gums, and vary on how much inflammation is present. Not all people need anesthetic for SRP (Scaling and root planning). I have seen, unfortunately, some practioners due this procedure with out explaining the risk/benefits to the patient. This is sad that they didn't talk to you about it.

Gum disease, aka. periodontitis otherwise known as a chronic infection, can cause the eventually loss of your teeth and effect your health if you don't take care of it. Good communication, not to mention your role in your own oral health is vital. The dentist/hygienist can't help you get better and prevent this if they don't explain to you what they are doing and why they are doing it. There is a lot that goes into treating "gum disease" then just going in a getting the procedure and hoping that waving a magic wand will make it go away.

I would ask them to explain to what extent your periodontitis has progressed (yes, there are different levels). (Ask them to see your probe chart and to EXPLAIN it to you.) Ask them about the risk factors to your health, and let you know you are anxious and to use good pain control methods so they can do a good job and you can be comfortable.

Communication goes a long way in this arena. Believe me.

 

[toofache32]

Also, I am terrified of the dentist, I had one root canal done recently, and that went OK, but I am still very scared.

This always interests me. Can you pinpoint where the fear comes from? Did you actually have a bad experience or is it just from all the stuff you've heard? Nobody likes surgery of any kind (yes most dentistry is surgical to some degree), but I can never figure out where this (usually) unrational fear comes from, but I have some good ideas.

When I explain to a patient that I'm about to extract a tooth, at least once per day one of them asks me, "you're gonna deaden my tooth first, aren't ya?" Does this mean some guy is out there pulling teeth without anesthesia?

 

[schoolgirl]

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[lnn2]

I really appreciate everyone's replies!

In my case, I am afraid of the dentist because I don't like to be awake during procedures. The noises scare me, the tools scare me... As long as I am asleep, I feel fine about having any procedure done (like wisdom teeth).

No, I've never had a horrific experience with a dentist. I don't know where or when the fear started.

Mention your dental phobia to the dentist. Once you're numb, u shouldn't feel anything. Close your eyes, relax, concentrate on your breathing. Just imagine those tools as something u would use in a porn movie 😀 Bring a portable CD player w. a headphone. You can listen to your favorite music instead of the drilling sound! If nothing works for u then start crying and kicking like a baby and ask for your mommy 😀