----- Original Message -----
Newsgroups: sci.med.dentistry
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 5:57 PM
Subject: Gum Infection---bogus cleaning???
> Anyone here have experience with a bacterial infection being caused by a
> routine "hygiene" cleaning?
Periodontal maintenanc apointments are not considered "routine cleaning"
> I have been in the category of having periodontal disease for several
years.
> The periodontist has repeatedly suggested some kind of reconstructive bone
> surgery. The dental plan will not cover but a small percentage.
> My condition does not seem to change over the years-same pocket depth.
> In July of 99 I developed a swollen painful area in the sinus area above
the
> bicuspid. The dentist could not find a cause nor did he say it was
actually
> gum related.
> I was put on Erythro and it backed off during that course of antibiotics.
> The pills destroyed my gastro tract with chronic diarrhea.
> The next visit to the periodontist for a yearly review also did not shed
> light on a possible cause of this infection. He did not say it was
> specifically gum disease related. He again suggested expensive
> reconstruction which, again, the plan will not cover.
The periodontist couldn't diagnose the problem without seeing it.
erythromycin is not a common choice for a periodontal infection..usually one
of the cyclines is more effective.
> ***
> Two weeks ago I went in for a routine cleaning with a hygienist I have
seen
> for at least 4 previous visits at twice a year. She had been the best
> hygienist I had ever seen up until this visit when she commenced to
> literally 'attack' the 2 upper quadrants where the chart would certainly
> have shown her that the pockets were at least 6-8mm.
> She barely touched anything else. Her demeanor was entirely different and
> when I got up from the chair I remarked on her aggression, in so many
words.
> She said I should consider this a "therapeutic cleaning"!!
> Oh, the irony!
I can't comment on the hygienist's demeanor. It sounds as though she did
scaling and root planing on the upper teeth. She probably only charged you
for a "routine cleaning."
However she provided you with periodontal treatment.
> I had told her when I sat down that over the past year my teeth and gums
had
> been great with no sensitivity(I have never had 'bleeding' gums)
Athough bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease, it is not alway
present. Smoker's for instance rarely complain of bleeding gums.
> She said that was probably due to the plaque blocking the gumline and
> therefore blocking out foodstuff or liquids that might cause such
> sensitivity.
She's saying your homecare needs improvement.
> She told me she dident think it(the gums) looked as good as the last visit
> which dident make much sense since, if anything, I had brushed(Sonicare)
> even better and flossed more consistently than ever before.
She carefully examined and probed your gums to reach her opinion. I've
found it amazing sometimes that some of my most plaque free patients
continue to have active disease at times. i think it's an immune system
defect.
> She is a believer in 'toothpicks' that are part of a kit which contains a
> plastic holder called a 'Perio-Aid'. I never really took to this added
chore
> since it conflicted with other reports about it not being a good idea to
> shove toothpicks into the gumline.
I like perioaids too, they are simple to use if you follow directions.
> When I remarked about that her response was, "Things change".
> After that visit my teeth were ultra sensitive in both the upper quads.
> Nine days after this visit the same area from a year and a half ago became
> re-infected and I went into the dentist for an emergency and he said
yes-it
> is possible that a 'cleaning' could bring this on. During the course of
> conversation he mumbled something about a "phony cleaning".
> I'm not sure what he meant by that---could he be suggesting the
> periodontist drums up business by having his hygienists be a little more
> 'aggressive'??
This sometimes happens after scaling. I think it's less likely with
ultrasonic instruments.
> I am now suffering the return of severe gastro discomfort on top of my
> swollen and painful face(the lump on the gum this time feels like the size
> of my thumb)which I feel could have been avoided by the hygienist being a
> little more either careful or considerate, or both.
Next time see your periodontist for an infection like this. S/he will
prescribe a more effective antibiotic. As to live culture yogut, it is
very helpful to prvent GI problems hen taking antibiotics.
> If you need some other info about this I will gladly supply.
> Please understand I am not accusing the profession---but I would like some
> feedback from anyone with some pertinent observations.
> Please, no flames-I've been on line too many years and it is merely
> counterproductive.
> TIA,
> ripleyselves
> Pat Buss RDH
Gum Infection---bogus cleaning???