Are Painful Deep Cleanings My Only Option?

I am considering interrupting my dentist’s treatment plan, but I am unsure how to do it or where to begin afterward. My teeth are sensitive after three deep cleanings that do not seem to help. My tooth pockets seem deeper than over. They only make the pain worse. Although I did not have dental anxiety before deep cleanings, my teeth are so sensitive not that I cannot bear the cleaning without sedation. I am unsure what to look for in a new dentist. Can I expect a similar treatment plan with another dentist? Where do I begin? – Thank you. Quinten from MD

 

Quentin,

Thank you for contacting our office

You have an advanced case of gum disease that requires immediate attention before it ruins your teeth. Dr. Henderson or Dr. Finley would need to examine your teeth and gums to determine why you are in so much pain.

How to Increase Comfort of Deep Cleanings

You can increase the comfort of deep cleanings if your dental team applies a local anesthetic before deep cleaning to minimize your discomfort. Your gums are already infected and inflamed, and your teeth are sensitive. And if your anxiety level requires it, you can ask for sedation.

Deep cleaning can provoke infection and pain. If that is what you are experiencing, you may need antibiotics to control the disease until completing a course of treatment. A dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) will need to examine your teeth and gums and develop a treatment plan.

We recommend that you schedule an appointment with another dentist. You can request a second opinion, but you will eventually need an exam and x-rays. Depending on the dentist you choose and their depth of training in gum disease, they may be able to complete your treatment. Otherwise, the dentist will refer you to a specialist for further care.

Depending on how comfortable you are with finding another general dentist, you may choose to self-refer to a specialist. And if you need to coordinate care with a general dentist, the specialist can recommend one.

 

Monroe, Louisiana dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.