Hello! I recently visited the dentist for a checkup and cleaning. To provide some context, it has been three years since my last appointment because I lacked insurance and couldn’t afford the cost. During that time, I was extremely diligent with my oral hygiene to compensate for the lack of professional care. I brushed twice daily, used the C-shape flossing method, used mouthwash, tried oil pulling, and scraped my tongue. I haven’t had any symptoms like bleeding, swelling, or bad breath. However, the dentist diagnosed me with gingivitis and said it’s not reversible, comparing it to arthritis. They want to perform two deep cleanings to remove bacteria. I’m confused because I thought gingivitis was reversible unless it caused bone damage. They mentioned ‘4s’ during the exam, which I assume refers to pocket depth. I was also told I have 10 cavities and need Invisalign, which felt like a lot of information at once. Is it normal for them to skip a regular cleaning and go straight to deep cleanings? I’d appreciate any insight or home care tips.
Gingivitis is 100% reversible. Most people have some degree of it; even as a dental hygienist, I have a few spots despite my best efforts. We typically don’t perform deep cleanings for simple gingivitis; those are usually reserved for gum disease (periodontitis), which involves bone loss and is permanent. I would ask for clarification on your diagnosis because if they are recommending deep cleanings and calling it irreversible, they might mean periodontitis. Keep using your electric toothbrush and flossing. Think of a professional cleaning like moving the furniture to clean the spots your daily sweeping can’t reach—it’s necessary to get the hidden buildup that accumulates over time.
Are you certain the term they used was ‘gingivitis’ and not ‘periodontitis’?
It feels like they might be trying to sell you a bunch of services you don’t necessarily need, perhaps taking advantage of your anxiety about missing appointments. I would definitely suggest getting a second opinion before committing to all those fillings and deep cleanings.