E-consultation: Gingivitis

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Gingivitis

Gingivitis
Added: May 11, 2007 - 9:25 AM
By: thehallowellfamily@hotmail.com, Avon, OH

Need Dentist / Specialist: No
Provide Cost Estimate: No
X-rays Available: No

Case Summary

Teeth: 3,19,30,31
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: 3 days ago
Last Cleaning: 1.5 years ago

Case Description

Went to the dentist for the 1st time in 1.5 years and I had two 4mm and one 5mm pockets with bleeding on all teeth. They recommended a program that costs $450 which includes: Site specific periodontal treatment (I'm guessing on the 3 pockets), Fluoride, Anitimicrobial medicaments, rota-dent, re-evals for 4-6 weeks, and prophylaxis.

The question I keep asking myself is... Should I focus on brushing/flossing my teeth and using mouthwash and go back in 3 months to see if that clears it up or should I do this program? Does the program seem to be more than what I need at this point?

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Reply: Gingivitis
added: May 13, 2007 - 5:02 PM

Hello! This is the thing...a 1-3 mm pocket with no bleeding is ideal and is considered healthy. a 4 mm pocket is borderline...if no bleeding it should be at least monitored by the dentist and the patient should be aware of it to be sure they are keeping it flossed properly. A 4 mm pocket with bleeding is a localized gingivitis and with flossing and rinsing alone could possibly shrink down to a 3 mm pocket. A 4 mm measurement could be due to the puffy inflammed nature of the tissue (again, by flossing it alone it is possible that the tissue could become tight and healthy again with no bleeding). However, a 5 mm pocket cannot be remedied by flossing and rinsing alone because a 5 is too deep to be flossed completely. Also, a 5 means that there is bone loss in that spot. That spot should be deep cleaned (scaling and root planing) and then usually the gum pocket will shrink down to a 3 or 4 with no bleeding as a result. A localized antibiotic placed in that area can help it heal as well. I hope that helps. Without seeing you and your condition i cannot properly diagnose you. Feel free to call my office for a free exam and consultation on this matter!

Colleen C. Hickle DDS

Oo·gle (u'gol, угол) - a corner meeting place where people gather around to talk.

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