Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 8/7/2006

Question
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Hi Jeff and many thanks for your answer!!

I very much appreciate it.

Do you know what percentage of dentists don't
use antibiotics?   

If I don't smoke or drink coffe, is it normal
at 54 to have the yellow stains near the gum
line?  Could it have been exascerbated by the
gingivitis ( or periodontis ) that I have ?

Again, thanks for your time !

Rob Kent


Followup To

Question -
Dear Dr. Wissot:

I have two questions:

1)   Do most dentists use antiobiotics in conjunciton with deep cleaning?  I have
some pockets over 5MM they tell me. Antibiotics
doubles the cost and is not covered by any
insurance.  I have no bleeding or sensitivity.I can't afford over $600

2)  Do any toothpastes really get results for
dissolving the yellow color on my teeth near
the gumline  ( I gather that is caused by
gingivitas )  Would that be considered a stain?

Many thanks!

Answer -
Rob
First off, I am not Dr. Wissot. I am Dr. Jeff Dalin. I can still answer these questions for you.

First question: many dentists utilize antibiotics of some sort while they root plane. Some give oral forms. Some place something called Arrestin in under the gums (this is a powdered form of tetracycline). Some have you irrigate under the gums with an antimicrobial rinse such as chlorhexidine. One option before you go through all of this is to get a second opinion...maybe from a periodontist (a gum specialist). Perhaps you will be given different options. It is always a good thing to get second opinions.

Second question: toothpastes can sometimes remove extrinsic stains on teeth. They do not bleach the teeth. They may look whiter if the stain is gone but they are not truly lightened from the inside out. Bleaching does that. Some people's teeth are just more yellow looking the closer to the gumline you go. This is something natural. I cannot give you any definitive answers here online without seeing things in person.

Good luck...let me know if you have any more questions.


Jeff Dalin, DDS

Answer
Rob
There is no way to give you any percentage. Dentists make this decision based on a case by case basis. It depends on the patient, the situation, the amount of bone loss, if there is any swelling present, etc.

And gingivitis does not cause color changes in teeth. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jeff Dalin, DDS