You are here:

Dentistry/Gum disease

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/5/2009


Question
I'm 27 years old with no history of dental problems.  I recently went for my 6 month cleaning and was told by the hygienist that I had gum disease and required a deep cleaning and antibiotics placed down in my gums. Most of which wasn't covered by my insurance. When she updated my periodontic chart, she said I had a lot of 5s and 6s.  This was a complete surprise to me because a year ago my periodontic chart was fine, I was in 6 months ago for a cleaning and nothing was noticed.  I never have bleeding when I floss or brush.  So I let her proceed with cleaning half my mouth and putting in the antibiotics.  She did the side of my mouth that had less trouble spots, because she said it was cheaper.  Even though it was the other side that apparently had the 6s.  After thinking it through when I got home, I decided to get a second opinion.  I went to a new dentist who found nothing higher than a 4 for my gums.  And even those were few.  He assured me that a regular cleaning and a special rinse for two weeks would take care of everything.  No deep cleaning was necessary.  My question is how much of those numbers are the dentists opinion?  Its only a 6 point scale so I'm assuming there is quite a difference between a 4 and a 6.  Could this really vary so much or is it possible a case of unnecessary treatment?  Also, is it normal practice for the hygienist to make those decisions?  The dentist wasn't even called in until after the cleaning had been finished.

Answer
Dear Melissa:  In a world of equals, there should be no numbers that require a dentists opinion.  The numbers are arrived at by placing a tiny ruler (a periodontal probe) into the tiny space between your gumline and your tooth, then measuring the distance between your gumline and where your gums actually attach to your roots.  There is no more than 1mm margin of error, and that's rare.  If what you are telling me is correct, I would probably trust the second dentist over the first hygienist, even though, at your age, to be diagnosed with gum disease is pretty serious.  In the State of Florida, it is not legal for the hygienist to make the diagnosis of, or plan the treatment for gum disease.  dd

Dentistry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.