New dentist says I have periodontal disease?

My last checkup was 4 months ago. I went to a new dentist near my house, and she says I have periodontal disease. Insurance will cover most of the cost, except for their "special anti-microbial" solution.

I am a bit weary of the diagonsis because I have been going to regular checkups. Any advice? I am 28.

Dentist later asked if I wanted braces. I said no to this. Her assistant says the deep cleaning is only once, and later visits I can have normal cleaning.

I don't understand if I have peridontal disease, why her assistant would make that statement that I would only need one deep cleaning for the mouth and would not need any future treatments.

Usually patients need a deep cleaning if it's been a while since their last cleaning. However, I have seen patients who have recently had their teeth cleaned that did need scaling (deep cleaning). The only way anyone would know if you have perio disease is to actually see your mouth. If you are skeptical, go for a second opinion.

Periodontal disease can mean two things - gingivitis or periodontitis. Both can be caused by your body's immune response to the plaque, tartar, and bacteria under your gums. The tartar under your gums cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, so it must be removed at the dental office. This is why you would need the scaling. After the tartar is removed, if you maintain good oral health, you should never need another scaling again. So, if you continue to have regular dental cleanings and floss daily, you shouldn't need scaling again.

Periodontal disease knows no age. Your not too young to have it. Every dentist is different and just because you have been going regularly to this other guy doesn't mean he didn't miss the problem. I have seen people come in and have 10 cavities and not believe us because their last dentist told them they had none. We just tell them that its up to them. We know they have the cavities, because it shows on x-ray or by using a Diagnodent machine, so if they don't want to do anything about it, then its up to them.

If you arn't sure you believe this guy, ask him why he said this. Do you have bone loss? Pocketing? If so, how bad is is? If he tells you that you do have both, then you do have periodontal disease.

Some dentists are more aware of periodontal disease and more likely to be careful when diagnosing. Screenings vary from dentist to dentist, but usually measurements of the pockets around your teeth are done and if there are enough pockets outside normal range (above 3 mm) then you should be treated.

A few of the Delta plans are beginning to pay for anti-microbial rinses if there is evidence of need.

If you are "weary" of the diagnosis, it sounds as if the dentist did not spend enough time explaining her findings to you. Perhaps a follow-up consultation visit would help you decide if you have confidence in her findings.

It's probably just a difference in treatment styles between your two dentists. Overall the most important thing is that you trust your dentist. It sounds to me like everything they told you is right but without the trust you should look for a new dentist. On a side note a patient with active periodontal disease should not be getting braces.