About two years ago I had a deep cleaning done. Not only was it one of the most painful experiences of my life, but I have been in pain since then. I have deep gap pockets regardless of how much I clean my teeth. I hurt all the time and I am afraid to go back to the dentist. Can you help me? I’m desperate and in pain.

Kelli

Dear Kelli,

I have a solution for you, but want you to understand the seriousness of the situation. You have advanced periodontal disease (gum disease). If this is not dealt with in a timely manner, you can lose your teeth completely. The gums themselves are inflamed and infected. Because of that, your dentist has to go clear down to the attachment of the teeth and gums. That procedure can be painful, but it is usually done under a local anesthetic.

What you are describing sounds like a combination of this and post-operative pain. With infected gums, there is the potential that the deep cleaning provokes the infection. This is more likely to happen when you have an active infection. In that case, you will need to get on some antibiotics. Get enough antiobiotics to have in use during the entire duration of your treatments. For example, if you need four cleanings to get this done and spread them out over two to three weeks, make certain you have enough antibiotics to last through that entire time.

I am also going to suggest you switch dentists and look for two things in particular. The seriousness of your situation requires a periodontist. However, I would like you to look for a periodontist who offers dental sedation. The anxiety you are experiencing over your appoingment will inhibit the local anesthetic from doing its job. Using dental sedation will allow you to have an anxiety and pain free appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.