A query for Toothsmith , brook2jack and others with gum problems

Maisie_Moo

I have been to the same private dental practice for the last 30 years paying a monthly fee which includes 2 check ups and 2 hygienist appointments a year along with xrays.
I also pay for 2 extra hygienist appointments a year, so in effect I see the hygienist every 3 months.
I am in my late 60's and have a little gum disease in my back top tooth despite using interdental brushes every day and cleaning ny teeth twice a day.
My query is that when I went to see the hygienist last month she said the dentist has put some notes on that she would like me to give you a full gum check (at least I think that's what she called it).
As it was going to use all of my appointment up plus more I declined and asked to have my scale and polish and said I would have it next time.
Consequently I have booked a 40 minute appointment next time to see the hygienist but I am now wondering what will be involved.
I am considering cancelling this appointment until I have actually spoken to my dentist and I would value the dentists opinions and any others who have had this problem. Thanks

brook2jack

One of the important things to do when you are treating gum disease is to see how or if it is progressing.

That may entail at some point having what is called a 6 point pocket chart. This is a time consuming examination where measurements of pockets are taken at six points on every tooth as well as bleeding and plaque indexes .

This shows if your gum disease is getting worse , if it is active and if you are doing all that you can with cleaning. It may also indicate if simple treatment is effective or if you need referring to a specialist.

It is only done when treatment and how the gum disease is progressing indicates.

It is time consuming but is an important part of helping you to control your gum disease. Indeed referrals to specialists cannot be done without it and treatment of gum disease can be impossible if you don't know how it is progressing.

As a private patient you pay for your hygienists time and this time is spent not only in treating the disease but also in getting an accurate picture of it is progressing and how quickly.

Maisie_Moo

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain this to me as my dentist had not mentioned it and the hygienist didn't explain it very clearly.
I will have the check but I am going to speak to my dentist beforehand.