anyone had this done?

[chipkid]

went to dentist for first time in 15 years last week!
teeth fine (miraculously) but there has been a build up of tartar.
In order to avoid gum disease I am having "root planing" under a local anasthetic-anyone had this done if so-how horrible is it?

Not had it, but would advise it, I have gum disease, due to huge increase in hormone levels while carrying twins, and now I have to go through a right rigmoral everyday to stop it progressing.

sorry to hear that waterfalls-I intend to put myself through whatever horrid procedure is necessary to prevent future problems-just curious as to what it entails.

Chipkid. It involves very deep cleaning beneath the gumline. Literally cleaning the roots of the teeth. Sometimes a solution is used to flush out any debris.

As you are having a local then I expect you will be a little uncomfortable after. I assume you will be advised to take a soft diet, nothing too hot/cold, no alcohol & normal painkillers as & if needed for a day or following it. You may be armed with antibiotics, but this is usually in very extreme cases.

After the treatment you may be advised to use Corsodyl mouthwash for a while & they will go over brushing/flossing technique to avoid build up in the future. Once a course of Root Planing is completed there is rarely the need for any future extencive treatment as long as you keep up the post treatment routine at home & attend regular examinations.

Good Luck

Thanks melissasmummy-am guessing that you are a dentist. I feel so lucky to have only a build up of tartar after this length of time that I will be a very regular attender at the dentist from now on!!!!!

You're welcome, am (was before I had DD) a dental nurse. It does sound like you are lucky after all this time to have only this wrong. Good Luck.