What should you expect from your dentist when you get a regular cleaning every 6 months?

Question

I am 38 years old and I get my teeth cleaned every 6 months and all of the sudden she says she is not going to clean my teeth and that I need to see the hygienist for a gross scaling. Do I have to have this done because she hasn't been cleaning my teeth properly or because I haven't? She says it is because I have not been flossing.

Answer 1

Sometimes it can be both, if your not flossing every day and regularly forget to brush the build up can get worse or any new meds you started. Also some dr offices use a hygienist to pick up the regular cleanings that go in. but either way a hygienist is educated to do cleanings so it would benefit you much more.

Answer 2

If you have been taking good care of your teeth at home, you shouldn't need deep cleaning at all. Getting a cleaning every 6 months is not going to prevent you from getting deep cleaning, you have take good care of your teeth at home to prevent this from happening. Getting a cleaning every 6 months should not be your substitute for your cleaning your teeth at home.

Answer 3

Getting them cleaned every six months is good but i hygenist should be doing it at all times im not sure why a dentist would be doing it anyways....a gross scaling is when they take a sharp dental tool and scrap the extra plaque off your teeth(doesn't hurt just feels funny)....its not because your not flossing it just happens when you miss spots when your brushing or you dont brush as often or as long, and i never floss and i have no problems whatsoever with my teeth!!! Also if you dont think your brushing your teeth long enough get a electric toothbrush with a timer...i have one and it also has 3 speeds, tells you when to swith sides and at the end of 2 minutes it tells you you are done.

HOPE THAT HELPED AND GOOD LUCK!! :-D

Answer 4

What should you expect?  High bills.

My dentist told my husband to floss with baby yarn.  Phooey! His teeth are so tight that he has to use Glide or flat tape.  They told me if I didn't floss daily and have regular cleanings I would have such severe molar gum pain within 6 months  that I wouldn't be able to stand it, and have to have a lot of work done.  That was 17 years ago, and no problems at all, and I only flossed when I had eaten roast or something and had a fiber caught that was just maddening.  Lately I have found the flossing picks that have a rounded Y shape with flat non-shredding tape are so much easier to use that I will actually floss more regularly.

Read up on Xylitol and it's effect on bacteria, and help with replacing enamel.  Remember, you must be getting enough calcium and magnesium in proper proportion to replace tooth enamel.  Melaleuca oil is said to be beneficial in treating gum disease due to its antibacterial properties and ability to penetrate beneath the surface of the skin.  Do some searching for those natural remedies, they are less expensive than the dentist's bills, and I'm sure he lives in a more affluent neighborhood than we do!

Answer 5

KRISTY,

THE DECISION IN DOING THE GROSS DEBRIDEMENT BY THE HYGIENIST WAS BASED ON THE CONDITION OF YOUR TEETH AT THE PRESENT TIME. THIS IS A MORE LENGTHY PROCEDURE FOR WHICH A HYGIENIST HAS MORE TIME AND EXPERIENCE IN ACCOMPLISHING.

IT MAY WELL BE DUE TO LACK OF FLOSSING.