[dillywho]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I was told that I need deep cleaning and root scaling because of staining. I drink a lot of tea and the dentist claimed that he couldn't see if I had any cavities because of the staining. I saw my previous dentist about two months ago and he was able to see every bit of decay.

It seems that there might be a reason for deep cleaning and root scaling, but to remove stains in order to see cavities doesn't seem like a reasonable reason.

I'm going to try another dentist.

Please try Dr. Robert Lesh at Southern Trace Dental. I have been going to him for years. I have never had him even mention deep cleaning. On occasion, I will have a pocket and they simply fill it with an antibiotic, and that's the end of it.

As for stains, I have never had a problem with their regular cleaning removing coffee stains, etc. That being said, I do have some staining that has been there forever and will still be there when I'm gone. I grew up in Lubbock, TX, and we had artesian well water as our water source....city, not personal. The water there is now from Lake Meredith, a man-made lake created by damming a portion of the Colorado River. The water contained a heavy concentration of natural fluoride which left brown stains in the teeth, not on them. Fortunately, mine are stained in some molars. Many people, like Buddy Holly, have had their teeth capped to cover the stains that were in front and highly visible. The upside of growing up with this water is that I have really sound teeth. Dr. Lesh does x-rays and that's it....at least for me.

As a side note, I have had one cavity in my lifetime thus far. That was filled the week I turned 30. Broke my heart! Believe me, I am WELL past 30 now.

[rexxfan]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I was told that I need deep cleaning and root scaling because of staining. I drink a lot of tea and the dentist claimed that he couldn't see if I had any cavities because of the staining. I saw my previous dentist about two months ago and he was able to see every bit of decay.

It seems that there might be a reason for deep cleaning and root scaling, but to remove stains in order to see cavities doesn't seem like a reasonable reason.

I'm going to try another dentist.

I had trouble with my dentist complaining about tea staining as well until I started using Arm & Hammer "Truly Radiant" toothpaste and mouthwash. You may want to give it a try.
--
Bob C

[kappy]

I have been using a dentist in NJ for the last 10 years. I am also very lucky to have good teeth in that I have only had 3 cavities in my lifetime. When I moved to Florida 4 years ago, I went to Aspen Dental on Rt. 441 for X-rays and a cleaning. After the X-rays and being looked at by a technician, I was brought to a person who was going to explain the work that I needed.

I was told that I needed a deep cleaning which would cost about $4000. However, I was told not to worry since my insurance would pay for half of it. I indicated that I would think about it and I then just wanted my teeth cleaned. They would not do this until I had the deep cleaning done. After arguing for 10 minutes, which included talking with the office manager, I left.

On my next visit to NJ, I went back to my former dentist who took x-rays and did a complete exam of my mouth. He said everything looked good and I had my teeth cleaned as usual. I have been back to my NJ dentist 6 times since I moved to Florida and he has never found a cavity, nor has he said I needed a deep cleaning.

Since moving to TV, I have found that many doctors seem to send their patients for many tests that, IMHO, are unnecessary. Many senior citizens are reluctant to question doctors and dentists and accept whatever they are told by these professionals. I always suggest that my friends get a second opinion if they are not sure about the first opinion.

It is not much different than the car buying experiences I have had since moving to Florida. See my thread, “Florida Car Dealer Fees”.

[banjobob]

I am not a dentist but like others when moving into the area looking for dental care , we went to a hjghly recommended dentist. After the preliminaryexam they suggested deep cleaning and suggested watching a video outlining the need for it. My wife watched and was convinced of the need ,I declined and told the dentist I only wanted my teeth cleaned at that point I was informed they did not do "just" a cleaning. We left and did not have the very expensive procedure done. We had a very competent denist in Ohio and the "deep cleaning" was never mentioned being needed. After using my original teeth for 76 years without a "deep cleaning" i'm pretty sure it wouldn't help me only pay the dentist Mercedes payment

[KenJoan]

As for the deep cleaning, I had it done once and had all sorts of problems with my gums. Swore that I would not have it done again. We are moving from Melbourne, Fl to The Villages. Several of the dentists in Melbourne practice the deep cleaning process. I did find one that does the basic cleaning. I suggest you ask the dentist office up front if they do basic cleaning if you request it. I never had this problem in PA before moving to FL.
Who is your dentist in Ocala that does basic cleaning?

[tgilbertson]

I had it described as more preventative of future cavaties rsther than finding current ones. I view it as a good idea if you have the money but not an essential. So not a scam per se, but they certainly make a profit. Not all dentists have the staff to offer the service which may explain why it was not suggested earlier

[RWR39]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I went to Lake Sumter Dentistry yesterday for my free exam and x-rays.

I was told that I needed a deep cleaning and root scaling.

I was having work done at another dentist but got tired of driving an hour to Ocala so I thought I'd try someone new. My wife began going there and she likes them.

My dentist in Ocala never mentioned anything about deep cleaning. The dentist at LSD says that he can't tell if I have any cavities until the heavy stains are removed. That sounds absurd to me. My Ocala dentist was able to see minor decay from the x-rays.

I now that some people on here have recommended Lake Sumter, but I got really concerned when they mentioned "deep cleaning" which I've often heard is a scam.

I made an appointment for this deep cleaning, but I intend to cancel it.

Any opinions or suggestion would be appreciated.

I go to three different Dentist and two out three try yo talk you into this. The one I have the most faith in does not.
And she is very through.

[joy@villagetweet.com]

Good Morning W.O.Boogie,
I kissed my dentist goodbye and went Natural. Here's what I did. First, I bought myself a jar of virgin Coconut Oil and a jar of tumeric powder at the grocery store. I took a Tablespoon of coconut oil and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and did an "oil pull". (That means I took a tablespoonful of it and held it in my mouth for 15 minutes.) I did this while I showered. -- That means no singing in the shower THIS morning. The coconut oil pulls out the bacteria and the turmeric heals the inflammation.--And as a bonus, this keeps my teeth nice and white. Email me at joy@villagetweet.com and I'll send you a marvelous toothpaste recipe so that you never have this problem again. Have an absolutely fantastic day! -- Joy -- in The Villages.

[biker1]

My dental knowledge comes from osmosis. Be that as it may, typically cavities are found by x-rays and a physical exam of your mouth. Deep scaling is basically done in response to periodontal problems. A reputable practice will recommend the procedure when it is called for and will have hygienists who are capable of performing the procedure. Serious issues may require that you see a specialist - a periodontist. I really can't see a practice telling you it is "a good idea", per se. They should be "charting" your mouth and providing you a treatment plan that you are free to either implement or not. They do this so as to create a paper trail to document that they have diagnosed any issues you have and informed you of what is needed to address those issues. For example, my dentist doesn't present it as "a good idea" - it is either called for or not. Finding a good practice (and knowing whether it is a good practice) may take some research.

Originally Posted by tgilbertson

I had it described as more preventative of future cavaties rsther than finding current ones. I view it as a good idea if you have the money but not an essential. So not a scam per se, but they certainly make a profit. Not all dentists have the staff to offer the service which may explain why it was not suggested earlier

[biker1]

If you are one of the fortunate few with zero decay, rock solid gums, and don't build up tarter then good luck with never seeing a dentist again. As for the rest of us ....

If you really want to help your mouth, get an electronic toothbrush, a water pick, and dental floss and use them daily, and find a dentist you trust.

Originally Posted by joy@villagetweet.com

Good Morning W.O.Boogie,
I kissed my dentist goodbye and went Natural. Here's what I did. First, I bought myself a jar of virgin Coconut Oil and a jar of tumeric powder at the grocery store. I took a Tablespoon of coconut oil and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and did an "oil pull". (That means I took a tablespoonful of it and held it in my mouth for 15 minutes.) I did this while I showered. -- That means no singing in the shower THIS morning. The coconut oil pulls out the bacteria and the turmeric heals the inflammation.--And as a bonus, this keeps my teeth nice and white. Email me at joy@villagetweet.com and I'll send you a marvelous toothpaste recipe so that you never have this problem again. Have an absolutely fantastic day! -- Joy -- in The Villages.

[PatandBob]

[QUOTE=dillywho;1487565]Please try Dr. Robert Lesh at Southern Trace Dental. I have been going to him for years. I have never had him even mention deep cleaning. On occasion, I will have a pocket and they simply fill it with an antibiotic, and that's the end of it. QUOTE]

Our experience with him hasn't been as positive. He pushed deep cleaning on me (didn't get it) and said I needed $4000 worth of dental work. Got a second opinion when I went back home from my previous dentist who said I didn't need so much work.

[dmkot2nd]

I went to several dentists in the Villages who always wanted to do a deep cleaning. I have no insurance and this costs a lot of money so I finally decided to look it up online. From what I read online, a deep cleaning is only required if the person has not had any cleanings over the past several years. Since I always got my teeth cleaned every six months, I felt this was a scam. Seems like a lot of the dentists around here want to make quick money as soon as you enter their business. I cancelled my deep cleaning and now go to a small dental practice in Fruitland Park/Leesburg.

[corona_lolita@hotmail.com]

This seems to be a trend. Most people take better care of their teeth than in the past, so as a result less maintenance is needed. Deep cleaning is the answer to lack of maintenance. Just my opinion. I've been told I have perfect teeth. When my pockets were measured they were all 1's and 2's and an occasional 3. I went to a dentist near the villages for my '$59.00 cleaning and X-rays '. They told me they have to do deep cleaning and it would be over $400.00. I said to jus t do the regular cleaning that comes with the pkg. They said that if they did that it would be unethical to not do the deep cleaning. I said it is unethical to not to ANY cleaning. I left the place and now go to Aspen Dental on 466. They dont force any procedures.

[Retired and happy]

I second the comment on Dr. Luong. Her office is in downtown Spanish Springs and her phone number is: *(352) 350-1933‬. We have been with her for five years. We have had some complicated issues with our teeth and her extensive training and compassionate care keeps us recommending her practice. Just last week I asked her about capping a tooth and she said a replacement filling is all I need...not exactly looking for a profit!

[mellincf]

I have my teeth cleaned every three months and have an excellent dentist...I spend about $4 k on my teeth annually. I've never heard of "root scaling" OR deep cleaning, even when I smoked. I'd double check if I were you. Google it.