Question:
I am getting a 6 tooth crown replaced (originally injured in a motorcycle
accident). The periodontist recommends that I get a deep cleaning. I have
not been to the dentist in a long time so I am going along with that
recommendation. He is also recommending oral surgery where he is to cut at
the gum line to removed any infection I might have underneath. He says it
is imperative that I get the surgery so that the crown has a good
foundation. I have healthy gums do not have any signs/symptoms of
periodontal disease and feel that surgery is an overkill procedure.
Can someone explain the prerequisites for the surgery and if the deep
cleaning of the supporting teeth is good enough for the crown.
Answer:
He wants to do it to my entire mouth though, not just the
affected (crowned) area. He described it as cutting at the gum line,
flapping the gum over and cleaning/scraping underneath. Seems pretty
drastic for someone with no symptoms of any disease/infection.
How do you know you don't have any periodontal disease if you haven't
been trained to diagnose it? Not saying that every doctor is perfectly
honest and that there are none who would try to scam you, but it would
seem that your periodontal is telling you that you DO have periodontal
disease.
I have visited some sites on the net and have
read the symptoms ie. swollen/bleeding gums, loose teeth, odor..... I
have no symptoms at all and surgery (forgot to mention doing all my
mouth will cost $1400) seems as a last resort for this condition and not
as a treatment for prevention or as an initial treatment should I have
the beginnings of the disease.
Unless you are a dentist, you do not have the proper training to
diagnose periodontal disease! The thing about some industries, is that
one of the parties knows FAR more about the subject than the other
party.
Things like this happen to me in what I work at, as a computer
programmer. Unless you get into the code, some very very 'minor'
problems, or problems that are unseen are not visible. There is no
possible way for a person without the proper training to know the full
extent of the problem.
So, like everybody else said GET A SECOND OPINION! You are not
qualified to do your own second opinion, only those comming from a
dentist count.
