Periodontal Disease...?

A few months ago my dentist said I was in the begining stages of gum disease and recommended an upper and lower deep scaling. I am currently unable to afford this treatment and they are refusing any regular cleanings until I have the scaling done. Their response is that cleaning on polishes (strange, I didn't realize that scraping and waterpicking was only polishing). For three months I have been flossing regularly and using precription flouride rinse. Shouldn't this deter the gum disease? I think the dentist is full of crap and is just out to make a buck.

Here's the deal:

Periodontal disease is NOT reversible, but you can stop it in it's tracks to prevent further bone loss and pockets from forming. The reason why you need to have your teeth cleaned every 3 months is because you CAN NOT remove the bacteria that are multiplying deep in your pockets, only dental instruments can! Once these bacteria hit the 3 month mark, they start destruction to your bone and tissues again! This is why it is so important for people with periodontal disease to have the bacteria and hard deposits removed from their pockets every 3 months. Also, the deposits/calculus/tarter on your teeth have a rough surface, a great place for bacteria to adhere to and start colonizing, also bringing them closer to your gum tissue.

The reason why your dentist wants you to have a deep scaling is because it is challenging for a hygienist to remove these deposits deep in your pocket and using a ultrasonic scaling device is a lot easier and less time consuming.

I would suggest that you call around different offices to see if they can work out a payment plan or if you live near a dental hygiene school they can do it for much cheaper. My school only charges $25 for a cleaning and x-rays.

Here is a website of dental hygiene schools by state: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/programs/sear...

if you don't like them, then seek a second opinion. No matter what method u use at home, you will not be able to remove subgingival calculus. That will have to be removed professionally.