Question: …my usual cleaning is in about a week. It entails pocket measuring and cleaning with a sonic devise. Last time my gums were sore for awhile after. I’d just started calcium therapy two weeks before and was having great results.
What would you recommend here? No pocket measuring? How about that sonic ‘twizzer’? I’m nervous as last time I opted out of x-rays due to my appointment running late and having just had bone scan and mammogram also. I had to sign papers that I wouldn’t sue if something went wrong before my next x-rays and if I did the Dr could lose his insurance or worse- the receptionists were quite frantic about it -all the time assuring me that they knew I was a good person and would never do that! I’m nervous that I’ll be forced to have pocket measurements – time will tell. And I would like your recommendation to bolster me up for the ordeal. ~ annie g
Answer: Do not let anyone measure pockets. It is radical, risky, spreads infection all over the mouth, activates treacherous bacteria colonies, and tells the dentists almost nothing biological in nature. It is a linear measurement. There a many other ways to diagnose problems than poking around causing the gums to bleed. Forcing someone to accept it is like forced vaginal ultra sound probing by the government. Silly nonsense.
Do less flossing, for the same kind of reasons. Toothpicks are better. Be very careful with power brushes of any kind. A hand brush is excellent. A few bite wing x-rays once a year is usually sufficient. Anything can go wrong in the next few seconds. Run away from people who use scare tactics or get frantic over the fact that it is your body and you have most to say about what others do to you, and the government is responsible to protect you in this regard.
Mark, DDS