2 years or so ago my gums started to bleed when I brushed my teeth, not every time and not a great amount but bled nevertheless. I had a lot of sensitivity around one area in particular and thought there might be a problem with the tooth.
My dentist wasn't concerned about it, said the tooth is fine and assured me that most peoples gums bleed at some point or other.
I've had a handful of dentist appointments since then and on two of them X-rays were taken (I needed a filling, and wanted to replace an old silver filling with a white one)
No mention of periodontitis/gum disease.
Regardless, I mentioned wanting to see a hygienist to my dentist as I had a little stain on my front tooth (i was a big tea drinker). I was told that I don't 'need' to see a hygienist because he (dentist) can do all of that. It turns out my practice doesn't actually employ a hygienist. The dentist did a superficial polish on one occasion.
Still no mention of periodontitis.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago the bleeding has ramped up and upon close inspection I can see there is obvious receding of the gum line. I started researching and drew the conclusion that I might have periodontitis. I looked into what I needed to do to manage it, bought an electrical tooth brush, water pik and learned about interdental brushes. After implementing the new routine for 2ish weeks black triangles started to appear between my teeth! I now understand that this is because the inflammation is reducing.
I booked an appointment to see the dentist and said I'm concerned that I have this condition. Only then does he tell me that yes it looks like periodontitis but not to worry as it's treatable and in my case very mild.
I was gutted, but he said he would refer me to see a periodontist.
I saw that periodontist today. I have severe periodontitis that has advanced to bone loss and I would have had this condition for years slowly getting worse. News to me!
If I'd have known, I would have without a shadow of a doubt gone private to have deep cleans and preventative treatments. I'd have started using the interdental brushes, made more of an effort with flossing, bought the water pik much earlier etc.
The periodontist thinks genetics are a factor in my case due to my age and the fact my dental hygiene is reasonably good, although I do admit I haven't always been great with flossing.
I will now be having two deep, deep cleans under the gum line to try and shrink the pockets but have been warned that due to the bone loss - I'm going to be left with sizable gaps between all of my teeth 😔
I asked if my dentist will have known I have this and she said yes, of course he would.
So why remove a superficial stain whilst telling me I don't need to see a hygienist, when you know I have sodding periodontitis and that was exactly what I needed to do.
Why not advise me how I could manage my condition myself? Why was it me, the patient, having to diagnose myself and read up about what I can do to help myself.
I'm devastated and feel like he has completely failed me. If the funding isn't there to treat perio on the NHS then ok, but jesus christ atleast tell me that I have the disease so I can make an informed decision on how to proceed. I would have found the money somehow and could have stopped it progressing this badly.
AIBU to say he has completely failed me?