Has anyone here had teeth scaling and planing for gingivitis? If you have, how much did it hurt?

Question

My dentist says that she has to do it, but she was unclear about the pain factor. She said I don't need anesthetic, but I don't trust her! I'm freaking out here!

Answer 1

I work at a for a dental company in Texas. My husband had scaling and root planning after many years of procrastination because of the fear he had. He was very happy he did it. At our office, we use a new product called Oraqix. It is a gel used to numb the gingiva, therefore making the procedure painless. Sure it can be uncomfortable, but the end result is worth it. Patients need a deep cleaning when they have missed more than 2 cleanings. The build up continues to accumulate and pushes the gum tissue away from the crown of the tooth. The build up contains harmful bacteria that eats away the bone (which hold your teeth in place). Without getting too technical, you will lose your teeth at an early age. Then you will be posting the question "Who knows of a dentist that makes dentures?" or "I heard dentures cause sore spots. My teeth are loose. Please help." Go onto Americanperiodontology.com and read about this procedure. Believe me, we get alot of patients thinking we do not want to help them because we will not do a free cleaning and they feel they do not need treatment because they do not hurt. The truth about dentistry is that it is preventive. You want to prevent the pain! Once it becomes painful, it is in the nerve, too late, and only hurting your pocket book more! Please believe a dentist when they recommend treatment. Always know that a dentist has to prove why they do treatment by providing insurance with xrays, and PLEASE get your deep cleaning. This is contagious through kissing and someone eating after you.

Answer 2

Had this done the old way with local anesthetic and it was totally unbearable and hard to eat for many weeks afterward. I will never get the procedure done that way again. I can compare it to being butchered at the dentist's office. Now there are laser techniques available. If she is using the latter method, should be much easier and probably not painful either. The laser is relatively new, not as likely to get an infection but not available in all areas yet. I'm not sure if all dental plans cover it either.

Answer 3

If when they start to do the scaling and root planing (SRP) and you are uncomfortable, let them know, and they should get you numb. In almost every case of SRP at my dental office, they get the patient numb. Most patients say after the SRP, that they are a little sore, but nothing that Ibuprofen won't take care of. Good luck

Answer 4

I had it done today for periodontitis, and definitely needed the anesthetic. There were a couple of times where he had to increase the anesthesia. The worst part of it was getting the anesthesia, I hardly felt anything after, and when I did he added the anesthesia, and it was back to nothing at all. After it was done, he gave me two Advil's, and gave me 4 to take home. I'm feeling a bit sore but I haven't had to take them. I was back to work 15 mins after getting it done, and aside from slurring a bit, was back to normal.

Answer 5

I found the scaling very uncomfortable during the process and even more so afterwards. Make a bunch of noise so that they will give you something. Dentist are tight with the painkillers because they are afraid of lawyers and DEA agents but, they will relent if you holler.

Answer 6

Gingivitis is supposed to be painful, but you should really go and see your dental hygienist or dentist so that they can examine your gums.

Answer 7

whether it hurts alot or a little depends on ur pain threshold. i hve treated 6 yr oldswho dont feel much pain n 50 yr olds who feel alot of pain. this depends on the individuals. for many its a psychological factor as they come to the dental clinic with fear. for u, just go ahead with the scaling without LA, if u find it unbearable, then request ur dentist to give u LA.