Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 1596949)

We've gone to some who refused to do our free cleaning and insist that we pay out of our pockets for a "deep cleaning". As far as I'm concerned, this is a scam. When I dentist tells me that he can't tell from x-rays whether or not I have a cavity because I have stains on my teeth, I know he is lying.

I've had dentist do a normal cleaning and my teeth looked fine.

I have Humana dental coverage so I need someone that takes that

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 1597001)

I never heard of deep cleaning until I moved to The Villages. I agree that it is probably a scam. I go to Dr. Lunsford in Leesburg, who is a very good dentist.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 1597001)

I never heard of deep cleaning until I moved to The Villages. I agree that it is probably a scam. I go to Dr. Lunsford in Leesburg, who is a very good dentist.

Originally Posted by BK001 (Post 1597026)

With all due respect, I totally disagree. A "deep cleaning" is a procedure that involves root scaling and planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and from the pocket area between the teeth and gums, and with planing the dental hygienist will use a scaling instrument to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the roots of your teeth. This procedure helps to reverse periodontal disease. It is not a scam.

I know because before I came to The Villages I've had many regular cleaning and polishings (which is just surface) and I have had several deep cleanings. There is a big difference between the two.

Ask your dentist, I'm sure he/she will agree.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 1597001)

I never heard of deep cleaning until I moved to The Villages. I agree that it is probably a scam. I go to Dr. Lunsford in Leesburg, who is a very good dentist.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 1597029)

My dentist in Virginia and the one I go to here both told me that they can clean deep pockets as part of a regular cleaning. However, there are dentists in The Villages who want to charge more than $1,200 for a special hygienist appointment to do a deep cleaning. I would recommend getting a second opinion before agreeing to pay a hygienist that much money for less than 2 hours of work.

Originally Posted by biker1 (Post 1597039)

The $1200 will look like a bargain after you start paying that much for each dental implant. You are paying for training, expertise, and experience.

Originally Posted by BK001 (Post 1597045)

The next step after deep cleaning is a full periodontal treatment where the gums are cut, roots are scaled and planed, and then the gums are sewn closed. I've had this experience as well.

I've been told that smokers (I am an ex-smoker) tend to develop a large number of periodontal problems,

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 1597053)

I agree that some people may need extra cleaning procedures, but there is a wide variance in the recommendations and cost for dentists, especially in The Villages. I know several people who have gone to dentists outside of The Villages and received an entirely different diagnosis, treatment plan and proposed cost for the treatment. In my case, the dental office in The Villages wanted to do over $5,000 worth of dental work. But two other dentists told me that most of the work was not needed or recommended. I just recommend getting a second opinion.