I have a real problem with getting my teeth cleaned. They are so sensitive especially around the gum line, that having my teeth cleaned is pure torture for me and I mean that literally. So needless to say, I only have my teeth cleaned appx. once every 3-4 years. Sad but true. I've had root canals, crowns, fillings...you name it, i've had it done, and nothing for me is painful except a cleaning. I realize that prevention is the key to good oral hygene and healthy teeth and gums, but I just can't bear getting my teeth cleaned. I welcome any suggestions. Thanx !
2006-09-11 00:53:34 · 7 answers · asked by cocomax_00 2 in Health ➔ Dental
I'm adding this info. after seeing some of the responses to my question. I brush my teeth 3x a day, floss at least 2x a day and sometimes more. My teeth have been sensitive like this for as long as I can remember. Like I said, I don't care to have any type of dental work done, but for me, a cleaning is horrible and severly painful.
2006-09-11 02:15:57 · update #1
i have the same problem. i floss daily and brush three times daily ... but from prior HORRIBLE experiences at the dentist i'm completely freaked out about cleanings.
i now ask the dentist to put the topical numbing pink stuff on my gums ~ section by section ~ as they are cleaning. the numbness doesn't last as long as if they had to give Novocaine, but it works. they just numb each section.
it's great .. it's painless ... you aren't numb for hours afterward and makes the whole process less stressful for you .. and for the hygienest.
good luck!
2006-09-11 01:03:41 · answer #1 · answered by :|: raven :|: 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to Dr. Sam, he's right on the money. You going only every 3-4 years doesn't help to make it a more comfortable cleaning, it's just making it worse. So first off, you need to go at least every 6 months (sometimes every 3 or 4 months, depending on what your dentist recommends) and when you call to make your next cleaning appointment, ask them to numb you. You may have to break the cleaning up into 2 visits (make sure your two visits are scheduled within a week or two of each other) because it's no fun to be numb EVERYWHERE in your mouth at once. Hope this helps.
2006-09-11 01:27:03 · answer #2 · answered by justine 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on what state you live in, your hygienest may be able to administer to you some local anesthesia (if not the hygienest, then the dentist can.) Unlike general anesthesia, you don't go to sleep, or feel groggy when your under the effects. It prevents messages from your teeth to your brain, so you don't feel the discomfort of the procedure. This along with regular cleanings should improve your experiences at the dental appointment. Good Luck!!
2006-09-11 02:40:05 · answer #3 · answered by UofM RDH 2008 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you went every 3-4 months, it wouldn't be so bad. Trust me.
In the meantime, it is possible to get numb. Just ask for some shots. You can expect this to take a couple of visits or more, though, and you can expect to pay for each visit.
SOMETIMES, just using "topical" (they know what that means) on the tip of the instrument is adequate, so ask about that first.
2006-09-11 00:57:22 · answer #4 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You HAVE periodontal gum disease .
.
You need to take better care of your teeth ,by flossing and stimulating the gums .
I know I had the same problem .
Now it is not too bad getting them cleaned ,
Good luck.
2006-09-11 01:01:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, floss your teeth. If you did that then they wouldnt be so bad. You nasty mouth
2006-09-11 00:55:40 · answer #6 · answered by kram_7777 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
No pain, no gain.
2006-09-11 00:59:21 · answer #7 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋