If someone has deep pockets and needs deep scaling is it of any value at all to get a regular cleaning first?

Question

will it help somewhat temporarily or does it not help at all because it is just above the gum line? I ask because all four quadrants require deep scaling, but it will take some time to get it all done and I thought getting some cleaning would be of some benefit to calm the swollen gums-but don't know?

Answer 1

A regular cleaning won't do any good for someone with deep pocketing. The source of the problem is located below the gum line and that's what need to be taken care of. I'm confused by, "it will take some time to get it all done". I hope you are planning on getting all 4 quadrants done within a short amount of time. Most hygienists I know say that it's best to have it all done within 2 weeks or you run the risk of your infected gums re-infecting the ones that were cleaned.

Answer 2

I'm going to respectfully disagree with my colleagues above.

A simple "prophy" scale and polish of the teeth does nothing to address gum disease. Full tissue therapy is needed to help correct those deep pockets.

However, a routine cleaning may help the patient feel better about their teeth, remove above-the-gumline plaque, and get the person feeling more confident with the dental team.

We've debated long and hard about this issue. Many people call up and say, "Just give me the regular type thing." If you are a hard-nose about it and tell them, "NO! That's not going to do you any good!! Get the deep cleaning or nothing at all!" you might lose them.

Now, we try to educate the patient about the importance of healthy gums and how inflammation of the gums can affect their overall health. But if they want a "cleaning" the hygienist gives them a prophy, all the time talking about what she is seeing. By the time they are done, their teeth feel better - really clean - and they know they need more.

It won't do any harm, and it is a good start on the way to what we know they truly need.

Answer 3

a regular cleaning wont do any good at all u need to get the deep cleaning done, i know it's very expensive but it's for your own good. It also has alot to do with your health, so get in there and get it done so what if it takes time, after u get it done maintain it clean by brushing "the right way" (ask your dentist to show u how) and flossing your teeth. like i say u don't have to floss all your teeth, JUST THE ONES U WANT TO KEEP :) good luck.

Answer 4

Justine is right about the "Git 'er done" approach to deep cleaning. If you drag it out too long, the bugs have time to reinfect the areas that have already been cleaned.