Do I really need "Deep Cleaning'?

Question

I went to the dentist yesterday for the first time in 8 Years. "gasp!" For financial reasons and stupidity, I didn't see a dentist for a while. However, I brush my teeth 2 or 3 times a day, floss on a regular basis, and use Listerine every time I brush.. I show no signs of periodontal disease, bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath. so on. This dentist took x-rays, came back into the room 15 minutes later, looked at my mouth for 5 minutes and said I have 9 cavaties, and need a deep cleaning . Total cost of$1450.00! With the Dental savings plan. Is this normal practice today? I don't doubt that I have some cavaties. I just question the quick manner in which she looked at my teeth. It seemed more like an assembly line. And I question if I need the Deep Cleaning, which I have researched and it seems that if you have gum disease then you need more than a reguler cleaning. Not to mention that I don't have $1400. to dish out for my teeth. Any opionions welcome. Thanks.

Answer 1

You would need a deep cleaning if you had pockets around your teeth, do you remember them probing around your teeth and calling out numbers like 323 334 and such, if you have pockets greater than 4 you cant floss and brush that far below the gumline no matter how hard you try. If it has been 8 years it would be likely that bacteria developed below that level. If in doubt ask them to fax you your gum probe readings and see how many 4 or higher you have on each part of your mouth if it's more the 3 teeth on any part of you mouth( upper right, upper left etc) then I'd get the deep cleaning, but if they never did these measurments they could not have properly diagnosed and I'd seek a second opinion.

Answer 2

If in doubt get a second opinion. Not seeing a dentist in that long a perid of time you just may need a deep cleaning. However, if you have been taking care of your teeth with brushing, dental floss, etc, a regular cleaning should be enough if there's no bleeding present and your pocket size isn't too big around your teeth. When you had the checkup, did they measure the pockets. If you had pockets a 5 or less, a regular cleaning should be good enough.

Answer 3

I would talk to your dentist and ask exactly why you need a deep cleaning rather than a regular cleaning. I was in the same boat where I neglected to see a dentist for several years but did take care of my teeth. I also had several cavities which I had filled but I never had to get any sort of "deep cleaning".

If your dentist says that it's standard practice, I would just skip it. Unless your dentist can give you specific reasons why you personally need a deep cleaning, just get a regular cleaning. You could also get a second opinion from another dentist, but I would check with your insurance company to see what you need to do to make sure that is covered.

Answer 4

I had a similar problem, not as bad as yours, but the dental office I went to wanted $2,000 for the work and I told friend and he said I should "shop around", which I did and found a lot cheaper estimates and finally found a great dentist who did the work for under $200. So I am now a firm believer in checking around and getting second opinions and options.
Also I think that you might not need a deep cleaning, but I am not an authority on that subject.

Answer 5

u may not see a change,but there is 8 years of tartar built up underneath ur gums! u cant see it,but if it hasnt already,that build-up will lead to the formation of "pockets" around ur teeth-the first step in the process of damaged bone and loosening teeth.u already have 9 cavaties.i agree the cost of dental care is backbreaking-my family paid over 5,ooo in dental care this year-its highway robbery,but if u want to keep ur teeth,what else can u do?find another dentist,get a second opinion.ask if u have pockets around ur teeth.if u do,ur in trouble and u will have to deep clean.the cost of bridges and implants are even higher than the cost of a deep clean.shop around for the best price,or for a dentist who will let u pay monthly inbstead of in a lump sum till its paid off.get the deep clean if u have pockets,then go regularly every 6 months.the cost of our 6 month cleanings is 40-60 evry 6 months,depending on which dentist.so for ,tops,120 a year,u can prevent the need for another deep clean,and prevent the expense and damage of multiple cavities as well/a liitle prevention is worth a pound of cu are,as granny said.good luck,we had to give our emergency house payments to the dentist this year,so i know how bad the expense is. ps-the word above is supposed to be "cure",i cant seem to edit it.

Answer 6

Yes i would accept what you dentist has said . I know do if you will get any cheaper . I'm sorry about this . Maybe you will. Just keep phoning dentist and asking the price's . But what the x- rays it must me right .... When i sayed that you mite not get it any cheaper is because my mum is a dentist surgeon and she charges $2250 . So the best of luck . And i hope this helps .

Answer 7

Get a second opinion from another dentist. If the second dentist's evaluation matches the first one's, do what they say.

These are the only teeth you have. Are they worth $1400?

Answer 8

a deep cleaning is like a normal cleaning except it is further into the gum because as your plaque buılds ıt moves further down ınto your gum causing gingivitis or gum disease. maybe ask ur dentist to use an ultrasonic cleaner as this is a quicker way of cleaning your teeth however there is alot of water involved. Also ask him or her if they have a numbing spray called xylanor, just incase your gum feels uncomfortable.

Answer 9

I say 9 cavities for $1,450 is a honest price (composite filling is $150-200), even without the cleaning.

It all boils down to how much your teeth are worth to you.... however you decide to spend your money, you will get rewards and drawbacks accordingly (it's life), so be careful of what you choose.

Answer 10

Go to a different dentist for a second opinion