Horrible Scale and Polish at Dentist

I hate all the water in my mouth, while the nurse seemingly stands there with the suction thing just suctioning fresh air!

A previous dentist (now retired) used a small suction device that hooked over the lip. He always used to give it to the patient - tell us where it was needed and then left it to us to put it in place so it was comfortable and we could tilt it around if water started building up.

Because some people suffer from a build up of plaque no matter how much they clean their teeth and plaque can lead to gum disease.

Why do people have this done? I never have. How long does any effect last?

I have really sensitive teeth and dread having a scale and polish. But I found the water flossing much easier to cope with. I always used to lose a filling every time I had a scrape and polish but this time ( touch wood) my fillings have remained intact.

My hygienist only uses the water flosser if requested, otherwise as during covid, does manual scraping.
My previous dentist used to scale and polish at a check up, but now going to the hygienist I can see this is done much more thoroughly.

I’d hate to lose teeth because of gum disease.

aonk
My daughter had 3 of those treatments. It sounded like absolute torture, and it cost her £1,700 😱
But it did work. All her infection has gone.

I had a scale without the polish yesterday and I am left with jaggy bits on the back of my lower teeth. I now have a sore tongue because it keeps rubbing the area.
I have a female dentist who is very kind and stops if I raise my hand but lying flat and having all the water in my mouth is a horrible experience.
I took paracetamol an hour before the appointment, seemed to help a little.

Not dents but dental!

I had some treatment last week from a periodontist. I’d gone to the dentist with toothache and an X-ray revealed infection below the gum line. I wouldn’t recommend this treatment but I’ll do anything to maintain my dents health. When I go to the dentist or hygienist I’m a bit “cards on the table” with them. I remind them that the water drill causes me problems and that I have a gag reflex. I find it helps to speak out both before and during treatment. If a particular hygienist causes a problem then ask to change if possible.

Paracetamol a couple of hours before hand, and I put some Bonjela on my gums too and that seemed to help.
New hygienist is lovely - very gentle and thorough - but I still do the preventative pain relief before hand!

One thing I get free is a check up and clean because the insurance actually covers this. Not much else but it’s something at least. I love how clean your teeth feel after a clean and polish. No matter how much I brush myself with my electric toothbrush they still feel mossy after a couple of hours.

We both went to the hygienist's last week and we both felt she had rattled every tooth in our heads. She used to water flosser/cleaner thing and then the metal probe thing - it took ages and i know she was being thorough but it was uncomfortable and she didn't speak a word. Is bedside manner not a thing anymore?

(from one who likes to get her money's worth)
I've just noticed that they've now added 'if clinically needed' on the NHS website. If they suggest a scale and polish - that proves it is needed (before you book the next one):

'Band 1: £23.80
Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish (if clinically needed), and planning for further treatment.'

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/how-much-will-i-pay-for-nhs-dental-treatment/

My hygienist is very good. Puts numbing gel on before she starts and because I have an overly sensitive gag reflex and restricted jaw opening, stops and starts as often as I need her too.

After a very horrific experience with an expensive hygeinist four years ago, which pain at the time, but for the following week, I refuse to pay out money for one of these ever again.

In my eighties, I am concerned to keep my teeth for as long as possible. I clean carefully twice a day, water floss (warm water) myself, and use the interdental brushes,

My last NHS dental check up cam up with no further work required and I then did ask for for a clean. THis is NEVER offered to me (I think that is really bad). Back in the long distant past I do remember that it was carried out routinely fat each check up. It was carried out and was, to say the least, uncomfortable - all that cold water!!!

Teeth definitely look better since that was done, and I will ask to ahve it done at each of my annul check ups. I KNOW I am entitled to thius, so why do I feel so guilty asking for it.?

Thanks for that advice about having to ask for the free NHS clean…it’s certainly never been mentioned or offered at a routine checkup!

Here, there are three varieties of scale/polish. First, the quick one we are all entitled to with an NHS check up - blink and you'll miss it - in fact you have to ask or it's forgotten.

Second, there's the NHS one, 20 minutes or so of scraping with a quick polish and you're done - then, third (the one you're always encouraged to book) the private one, either half an hour or a full hour of torture depending on the state of your gums and teeth - horrendously painful and expensive. I take my stronger pain meds, codeine/tramadol, for that one!

I’ve avoided going to the hygienist for years but felt it was about time recently and had four sessions with gel and injection each time. Injections I’ve always avoided in the past and never had them for fillings but the gel numbed first so it wasn’t too bad. Luckily I coped with the water (your typo made me laugh LR) and I actually felt quite relaxed surprisingly. The painful bit was the cost - over twice your cost each time LadyGracie

Ali23, surely this is not normal to have blood clots after a scrape and polish? I would not think this is normal.

I had a scale and Polish a few weeks ago and it wasn’t so bad.

JaneJudge

It is not you, it is a horrible experience

Oh I know , I’ve been doing it for 40 years . I’ve developed a thick skin

Ali23

I joined my dentist practice last summer. Previously my old dentist always saw to the scrape and polish and was very kind. This dentist sent me to the hygienist, and what a shock! Lots of pain, and spitting little blood clots all day afterwards. I’ve got to see him again on Friday and I’m absolutely dreading it!

Your old dentist probably did a very superficial scale and polish because they don’t have the time to do a thorough one. Hence being referred to the hygienist.

It is not you, it is a horrible experience

I’m a hygienist and I’ve been told I’m very gentle. I also hand scale if patients dislike the ultra sonic (water scaler ) the results are the same , however hand scaling takes longer especially if there is a lot of tartar or stain . I also use a topical anaesthetic (numbing gel) if patients have sensitive teeth .
Just ask if you find it uncomfortable.
I also give samples of sensitive toothpaste for any post op sensitivity.
And if you see your hygienist regularly there will be less buildup meaning less discomfort.

wildswan16

I just wish they would warm the water up a bit. It is sometimes so cold it makes my ears hurt.

They can’t , warm water creates bacteria and biofilm in the water tubes