I went to a dentist a few weeks ago and they created a huge plan for my mouth (which is in horrible condition due to lack of funds over the years). I noticed if I got on a dental plan, I could pay half of what they wanted and even afford to get more work done that I couldn't before.

The first dentist wanted to do a scaling and root planning, deep cleaning treatment because of periodontal disease. I really hated the sound of that, especially the dentist's assistant cringing when she told me that I would need it and it's a painful procedure.

After I got on my dental plan, I went to another dentist in town with all of my records from my previous dentist's visit. He looked over everything, agreed with almost all of it, except the scaling and root planning. He said that I didn't need that at all. The part I didn't like is that he said "When I went to school... back when I took the exam... this was decided based on the tartar build-up, which I don't see in your mouth, etc" Its like, yeah you are ancient, I know this, but does the new age dentist know something that you don't at this point?

I've read about not having this treated and I don't know who is telling the truth on what I really need. I can't afford to go to -another- dentist and the second one is the only one in this area who accepts my dental plan. I can't imagine he would be lying about not needing it.. because why would he want even less money than what I'm already paying at discounted prices?

I'm worried about that procedure not being done and something serious happening.. or if it will be all right not to have it since one dentist is saying its not that serious, I don't need it.

I'm also trying to figure out if I should get root canals with my crowns, or just get crowns.

This is getting so expensive, but I'm scared about the future of my mouth :(

I would go to him and let him do everything he says needs done. Then when that is all done take it from there.

Um, that's the problem. One dentist said it needs done. One dentist says it doesn't. It's a serious thing but I'm trying to figure out what to do to figure out if it actually needs done or not.

Um, thats the problem. One dentist said it needs done. One dentist says it doesn't. Its a serious thing but I'm trying to figure out what to do to figure out if it actually needs done or not.
Since you haven't been to the dentist in years, if I were you, I would go with the dentist who will do the deep cleaning. I know how much buildup there is in just six months, so years of no cleaning would imply a lot of plaque buildup. The hygienist has topical pain killers to rub on your gums, and would even give you shots to numb you, if needed.

I'm also trying to figure out if I should get root canals with my crowns, or just get crowns.
Some teeth may just need crowns. Others might need root canals (which are a lot more fun than they were years ago). Make sure this is all written down and added up, so you know the whole picture -- what is ahead of you for dental work and payments.

WolfenKitten,

If it's been years you definitely need to have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist. As for the root planing, that would depend on the information they gathered when they did your exam. The dentist or hygienist should have measured the pockets around every tooth in your mouth and recorded the depth, any bleeding, any pus, recession, mobilities and furcations and taken a full mouth set of x-rays (at least 18). Once they have that information the periodontal treatment plan can be formed.

If you have a lot of deep pockets >3mm then these are the areas that need to be root planned. If you have bleeding you have active disease and scaling and root planing are needed to get this under control.

When there is little to no bleeding it makes it better for the dentist to work at repairing the broken and decayed teeth and the fillings are easier to place at the gumline. Having your teeth cleaned also makes the healing process better if you have to have any teeth removed.

As for the root canals before or after crowns. In a perfect dental world we'd prefer root canals to be done before crowns are placed. That being said, if there is no indication of infection at the root tip on a x-ray and no symptoms such as sensitivity to temperature or bite it's difficult to recommend a root canal as the tooth MAY never have a problem. I have seen a number of crowns that have had holes drilled in the top for access to do root canals. Not always does that mean a new crown has to be done.

I hope I was able to answer your questions. Congratulations for taking a big step towards better heatlh! It may be costly now but you will feel so much better once it's all done and then the job for you is to maintain things!