Hi,

Anyone ever had to get a 'deep cleaning' from the dentist before?? I just started going to a new dentist and they are recommending that I have a 'deep cleaning' on my gums. I have never been told or suggested this before, so I am wondering about the validity and cost of the procedure. They say it will cost $1000.

Thanks,

greenda4

 

I'd call around to see what other dentists in the area charge for deep cleaning. Sometimes plaque collects below gum line where it can cause gum disease. Prices tend to vary from area to area. I would tend to get a second opinion.

 

That must be a REALLY deep cleaning or involve some extensive perio work. Our dentist charges (if I remember right) about $110 for the "below the gum line" cleaning, which is more extensive than a "standard" cleaning that only cleans and polishes the exposed surfaces.

 

The only time I've heard of a deep cleaning (one that is that costly) was with a friend of mine. He had severe gingivitis that had created pockets around his roots. Are they planning to clean around the top of the roots, too?

Kay

 

What the dentist said was that I had some bacteria that is 5 and 6mm deep, so the treatment needed was a 'deep cleaning' that would go under the gum line and that they would numb my mouth for the procedure. They would do one side of my mouth at a time and that I would be provided with a home cleaning kit which includes a gallon of medicated mouthwash.

 

I'm glad that they've caught it early. My poor friend has to have this cleaning done every year since it had gotten so bad that the damage is permanent. His procedure is similar other than he has to be asleep during the process, and at times they do have to go deep into the root area.

He actually goes twice a year, one side at a time with a 6 month break in between the visits.

I'm grateful that your's hasn't progressed to this point.

Kay

 

I had a regular cleaning done last year and had to switch dentist this year. When I went to the new one, they said my teeth were so bad with plaque and would need deep cleaning that would cost over $900. I believe it is a money making ploy and am not going back. I know my teeth..if they were cleaned a year ago, why would they need deep cleaning? Plaque on teeth and below the gum line is visible on the x-rays. Did they show it for you?

 

I got the procedure done (my 1st deep cleaning), but I do agree that it is a money ploy and I don't plan on having this procedure done for a while even if the dentist suggests it. I talked to my insurance and they say that one dentist might take a more aggressive approach than another dentist would, so there might be inconsistencies with diagnosis between dentists.

sweetboy

 

I hadn't been to a dentist in years and found one that said I needed a lot of attention but that it could be done by putting me on a 4 month versus 6 month visit schedule. Each visit was a thorough cleaning and little by little my teeth and gums were in great shape and I moved to the 6 month visits. My insurance was happy. I was happy and the dentist now has a loyal patient.
My mouth had been under really good home care for 14 years and it may have a lot to do with it but doesn't it seem like that would work for even the worst cases?

Repair and healing of the gum line takes time. One "deep cleaning" doesn't seem like the answer.

Run screaming from that office.

 

Hi Morania,

My dentist does currently have me on a 4 month cleaning schedule and they say that I have to remain on it until the dentist deems my gums well enough to go back on a 6 month schedule, but they don't know when that would be. Did you say you had to do this for 14 yrs??

 

I hadn't seen a dentist in 14 years. Hate them. They didn't believe me becasue my mouth wasn't in too bad of shape for all the home care I had done.
A tooth ache finally drove to one recommended by a close friend. He did a deep clean of the hurting tooth. He said I had no more deep pockets that warranted that.
After a year and a half of 4-month cleanings, I only have two pockets that will prolly stay 4-5mm but don't need any serious treatment except watching and more good home care.
The deep cleaning thing (there's another cool name for that) is usually for individual teeth where a chip of tartar on the root is causing pain.
We all feel like you'd know if you need one on your whole mouth. (Smell. Pain.) It's just our opinion maybe but he's a high dollar dentist who doesn't want me to blow more dough than I have to.