The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Exflyboy on November 12, 2015, 05:14:43 PM
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A few years ago I had to have some root planing which was then followed up with perio maintenance every 6 months, after some bleeding and 4mm pockets had developed.
Since my dentist retired I went back to regular cleanings once per year at whatever dentist gave me the best deal... Great idea right?
So I went to a new dentist, had the probing done and the need for some perio cleaning came back on the radar (probably been 3 years since I had any real perio done).. one tooth had a pocket of 5mm with bleeding.. never had any that deep before. So it was all cleaned out and antibacterial rinses applied etc.
So I was feeling pretty good until they scheduled me for a return appointment in 3 months.. Like hang on a minute.. that seems awfully often to have to have my teeth cleaned. I am not prone to large buildups of plaque and I floss every day etc etc.
Even the perio I was having today was 14 months since my last (non perio) cleaning and the hygienist said it wasn't too bad.
So knowing all this.. How often to I really need to have the peio maintenance done?
Note I have no problem in paying for treatment I need but throwing $$ at over treating seems like a waste.
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Not a dentist/hygienist, but I had pockets developing in my 20s (but not as deep as yours) and had to do cleanings ever 3 months for about a year until they were under control. At my hygienist's suggestion, I bought a waterpic and now use it 3-4 times a week in addition to flossing. I put a capful of antiseptic/fluoride mouthwash in it and then use it as intended concentrating on light pressure into the between the teeth and below the gumline areas (not too high pressure as you don't want to cause damage!).
I've never had any issues since - excellent checkups, no pockets, minimal plaque (my hygenist said my teeth are some of the cleanest she sees and my gums are in perfect shape). Back to doing every 6 months cleaning and yearly x-rays.
Not sure I'd go a year with the history you have (I don't feel comfortable myself with my history). Your teeth and gums are pretty important and regular checkups are easy and not terribly expensive considering the alternative. Just my 2¢ anyway.
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Thanks FG.. So you would recommend something like this?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Waterpik-Ultra-Water-Flosser/5740917
Heck if it works then that seems like cheap insurance.
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Thanks FG.. So you would recommend something like this?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Waterpik-Ultra-Water-Flosser/5740917
Heck if it works then that seems like cheap insurance.
Looks like a newer version than the one I have, but yeah. :)
I'd see if there are any professional opinions, but the waterpic + antiseptic mouthwash with regular brushing (and 2x yearly checkups) has worked really well for me.
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Take Frankie's Girl's story and change it to "it was in my 30s". Change "water pik" to "Sonicare" ... and you have me. I'm not married to the Sonicare... but I think it totally stopped the issue. I'm in my 50s and haven't had any dentist/hygienist complain since then. (Sonicare's sort of think the sun shines out of their ass... so ... if the Waterpik works, I might try that instead.)
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Oh! I do brush with a sonicare too, but I buy my brush heads on Amazon (knockoffs so much cheaper).
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Yeah I had a Sonicare for a while too.. It was OK, I think it did a better job of massaging the gums but in theory at least it doesn't get under the gumline like the waterpik advertises it does.
I eventually went back to a traditional brush and I really don't think there was any difference in dental health from my recollection.
not having the perio maintenance for 3 years or so was my (heopefully temporary) downfall.
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I started using tea tree oil toothpaste and floss. No more deep pockets! My mom and brother had some similar issues and doing 3 month cleanings for a while helped them.
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Oh! I do brush with a sonicare too, but I buy my brush heads on Amazon (knockoffs so much cheaper).
I tried one brand of knockoffs (I am sure there are several) and they were just so buzzy and ineffective that I ended up tossing them.
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Most periodontal patients need to be on a 3-4 month maintenance interval. the disease has a tendency to reoccur, and it's easier (cheaper) to treat if the probing depths (pockets) are shallower. also, suggest you consider an alternating recall schedule every 3-4 months, alternating between your periodontist and your general dentist's offices