Can I see an oral surgeon about wisdom teeth before deep cleaning?
November 19, 2013 10:27 PM Subscribe
Do I need to get my teeth deep cleaned before seeing the oral surgeon?
On Monday I went to the dentist for the first time in years. She was very rushed in general and said very little to me, which I don't really mind except I'm left with some confusion. She told me I have cavities that need filling, but first I have a lot of plaque and she can't fill the cavities until I have had a "deep cleaning" session with the hygienist. That makes sense, and they put me on the schedule for that but the appointment isn't for a long time because they're so busy.
But she also gave me a referral to an oral surgeon at a different practice and said I need to get my wisdom teeth extracted. She said at most three sentences and then left. The referral doesn't have a date but referrals usually have a time limit. So, should I see the oral surgeon as soon as possible or are they unable to do anything without the deep cleaning, in which case I should wait?
On Monday I went to the dentist for the first time in years. She was very rushed in general and said very little to me, which I don't really mind except I'm left with some confusion. She told me I have cavities that need filling, but first I have a lot of plaque and she can't fill the cavities until I have had a "deep cleaning" session with the hygienist. That makes sense, and they put me on the schedule for that but the appointment isn't for a long time because they're so busy.
But she also gave me a referral to an oral surgeon at a different practice and said I need to get my wisdom teeth extracted. She said at most three sentences and then left. The referral doesn't have a date but referrals usually have a time limit. So, should I see the oral surgeon as soon as possible or are they unable to do anything without the deep cleaning, in which case I should wait?
I had 6 cavities filled, a root canal and a surgical extraction all within 3 months and then had my cleaning afterward. Dentist never said anything about needing a deep cleaning before any of it.
I don't think I had any significant plaque issues though.
posted by KogeLiz at 11:10 PM on November 19, 2013
I don't think I had any significant plaque issues though.
posted by KogeLiz at 11:10 PM on November 19, 2013
Best answer: I think that you do not need to wait to see the oral surgeon- he is removing teeth- their cleanliness is not of concern. To get fillings, on the other hand, you are repairing teeth.
As far as the necessity of this is concerned? I am just a dental patient, so I can only tell you that I have he a major clean after a decent gap between appointments and that the difference before and after in the feel and appearance of my teeth was significant. It does not seem implausible, to me, to want to work with a relatively clean slate before filling cavities. The clean removed what I thought was permanent plaque damage for me.
posted by jojobobo at 11:37 PM on November 19, 2013
As far as the necessity of this is concerned? I am just a dental patient, so I can only tell you that I have he a major clean after a decent gap between appointments and that the difference before and after in the feel and appearance of my teeth was significant. It does not seem implausible, to me, to want to work with a relatively clean slate before filling cavities. The clean removed what I thought was permanent plaque damage for me.
posted by jojobobo at 11:37 PM on November 19, 2013
I've never heard of a "deep cleaning" procedure. Unless it's a regular plaque-removal and polishing that is typically covered as preventative work under most insurance plans, it sounds a bit scammy to me. If they're not up front about what the procedure involves, what it is for and whether it is covered by insurance, then its definitely time to shop for a new dentist.
Honestly, with the way this dentist acted (not even asking if you had any questions?), I'd be shopping around for a new one anyway. I understand not wanting to be too chummy and talkative with your dentist and/or hygienist, but they should take enough time so that you aren't left with questions or at least see you as more than a walking pocketbook with a mouth.
The oral surgeon probably doesn't care about the cleanliness of the teeth they're about to remove, but you could always call and ask.
posted by Aleyn at 12:05 AM on November 20, 2013
Honestly, with the way this dentist acted (not even asking if you had any questions?), I'd be shopping around for a new one anyway. I understand not wanting to be too chummy and talkative with your dentist and/or hygienist, but they should take enough time so that you aren't left with questions or at least see you as more than a walking pocketbook with a mouth.
The oral surgeon probably doesn't care about the cleanliness of the teeth they're about to remove, but you could always call and ask.
posted by Aleyn at 12:05 AM on November 20, 2013
I had a "deep cleaning" but it was significant perio (gum) maintenance, which is where they ultrasonically clean beneath the gum line. I had this done while they extracted four wisdom teeth, filled four other cavities, and I was blissfully sedated with copious amounts of halcyon and other fun drugs.
You can absolutely have your wisdom teeth extracted without having any sort of deep cleaning performed. Moreover, I'm kind of surprised it has to be a different practice. Mine was a one-stop shop kind of deal, and well worth the $350 I paid for sedation to have literally no memory of the event. (Lots of mouth trauma plus me already hating the dentist makes that worth it for me.)
posted by disillusioned at 12:20 AM on November 20, 2013
You can absolutely have your wisdom teeth extracted without having any sort of deep cleaning performed. Moreover, I'm kind of surprised it has to be a different practice. Mine was a one-stop shop kind of deal, and well worth the $350 I paid for sedation to have literally no memory of the event. (Lots of mouth trauma plus me already hating the dentist makes that worth it for me.)
posted by disillusioned at 12:20 AM on November 20, 2013
Best answer: It's hard to know why this dentist made that recommendation because they didn't explain their reasoning. That alone is cause for concern. Is it feasible for you to go to another dentist for a second opinion? At the very least I think you should call the dental practice and ask for clarification. You have a right to be adequately informed before you consent to medical procedures; busy-ness on your dentist's part is no excuse.
posted by nerdfish at 3:06 AM on November 20, 2013
posted by nerdfish at 3:06 AM on November 20, 2013
I don't know what a "deep cleaning" is all about, but you should be able to get free regular cleanings at least once a year if you have dental insurance. First I'd find a new dentist - this one seems like a bad fit.
posted by oceanjesse at 4:00 AM on November 20, 2013
posted by oceanjesse at 4:00 AM on November 20, 2013
Do you have any replacement parts? If you have some unnatural structure instead of bone there may be higher thsn normal concerns about gum-line ook causing infection if anything gets into your system and sticks to the bionic part.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 5:35 AM on November 20, 2013
posted by Lesser Shrew at 5:35 AM on November 20, 2013
I urge you to get a second opinion. Not because I think the dentist is wrong, but because you aren't comfortable with this dentist. Dental work is pretty permanent and you need to trust the person working in your mouth. Also, like minded/behaviored professionals often refer to each other- have you researched this oral surgeon?
If your research turns up positive results, I'd say go ahead and get a consult with the oral surgeon (his office staff will tell you if they want you to do te cleaning first). If you like his demeanor then ask him who he goes to and get a second opinion about the rest of the recommended work.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 6:34 AM on November 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
If your research turns up positive results, I'd say go ahead and get a consult with the oral surgeon (his office staff will tell you if they want you to do te cleaning first). If you like his demeanor then ask him who he goes to and get a second opinion about the rest of the recommended work.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 6:34 AM on November 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
A "deep cleaning" is root planing and scaling. Basically, cleaning below the gum line to clear plaque, which causes gingivitis. Not uncommon in the slightest after many years without dental visits. Not a scam, simply preventative care. I've had it done a few times and it was absolutely covered by my insurance.
Seconding this, and there should be no rush to get it done before oral surgery. The wisdom teeth will be a problem that could get worse over time, possibly suddenly and unpleasantly. The root scaling can happen any time and is a good idea to get done but is not imperative nor does it need to happen before oral surgery. Good on you for getting this taken care of.
posted by jessamyn at 6:35 AM on November 20, 2013
Seconding this, and there should be no rush to get it done before oral surgery. The wisdom teeth will be a problem that could get worse over time, possibly suddenly and unpleasantly. The root scaling can happen any time and is a good idea to get done but is not imperative nor does it need to happen before oral surgery. Good on you for getting this taken care of.
posted by jessamyn at 6:35 AM on November 20, 2013
Response by poster: It was a dentist at a facility that serves Medicaid and low-income patients and my long experience with these practices gives me the impression that they are usually very busy and matter-of-fact. I will consider seeing someone else though, if it's covered, because I don't mind busy but I didn't get a chance to ask one question.
The oral surgeon she referred me to is at my old dental clinic and I do trust them. I would have gone back to them for the basic services but it would have been even longer to see someone. My teeth definitely need the more extensive cleaning and I look forward to that. I just needed to know the timing of things with the wisdom teeth (which absolutely bother me a lot and make it hard to bite). I just called the oral surgeon and as I thought, the appointment is much sooner.
Thanks everyone!
posted by Danila at 6:50 AM on November 20, 2013
The oral surgeon she referred me to is at my old dental clinic and I do trust them. I would have gone back to them for the basic services but it would have been even longer to see someone. My teeth definitely need the more extensive cleaning and I look forward to that. I just needed to know the timing of things with the wisdom teeth (which absolutely bother me a lot and make it hard to bite). I just called the oral surgeon and as I thought, the appointment is much sooner.
Thanks everyone!
posted by Danila at 6:50 AM on November 20, 2013
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Scam alert going off for me big time, because I've fallen for a similar pitch that ended up being a scam that cost me hundreds of dollars. Please, at the very least, get a second opinion about this. One red flag is, would/does dental insurance cover this deep cleaning?
Memail me about this if you want to compare notes.
posted by rue72 at 10:54 PM on November 19, 2013 [1 favorite]