Treatment of Gum Disease? What does the Dentist actually do?

If a person has stage 2 or stage 3 Gum disease, what is done to treat it? Do they still scrape the gums? How painful is this? Do they put you out for it, or just numb you up and let you suffer? As many details as possible, please! Thanks!

If there is anyone that has had it done, or any dentist out there that can answer I would really appreciate it. My mom cousin is scared to death to go for her appointment after being diagnosed between stage 2 and 3. She's always been the type that is afraid to go for a cleaning. How bad is it going to be? Really?? Thanks in advance for your responses!

It depends on how gentle the hygienist or dentist is and on whether or not she opts for local anaesthetic. Some people seem to do ok without it, but if she is scared of pain, she should opt for it (there is no "suffering" involved if she is numb). They don't "scrape the gums" but remove the tartar from the tooth surfaces. Her dentist might be able to offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which can be a big help. The key is finding the right dentist/hygienist. Many people find it painless, but the gums might feel a bit bruised afterwards. Usually, this is easily controlled with over-the-counter painkillers, however she could get a prescription for stronger ones of the dentist.

I really hate to say this, but if it is anything like they did to me it was torture. I would highly recommend that you find a periodontist that will give you something to calm you down or even put you to sleep! I would also find a female periodontist as females seem to have a lighter touch. I had scaling (that's what they called it if I remember correctly) done several years ago and never went back to finish it because of how bad it was. I would not recommend this avenue though because I've now had all but three of my teeth pulled due to non-treatment and a full denture and a partial are no cakewalk either.