Anyone experienced sub-gingival debridement?

[AutumnAlmanack]

I saw a periodontist back in September who said I need this procedure to be done, and the first available dates are in February (2 x 1 hour sessions). As the date gets nearer, I am getting more and more anxious. Has anyone had this done, and if so, I would be so grateful if you could give me your honest answers to these questions:-

• Does it hurt (even though I am having locals)
• Is there a lot of bleeding, as in does your mouth feel full of blood
• Does it hurt when the anaesthetic wears off
• Were you able to eat and drink that same evening
• How long were the gums swollen and painful
• Was it bad enough to not go to work or socialise
• Did it work???

Sorry for so many questions and I know I can ask the perio at my pre-appointment review but I know I will either forget some of them or forget the answers! Thank you.

I had this done about ten years ago - its not that bad.

Does it hurt: uncomfortable not painful as they numb you

Bleeding: mouth didn't feel full of blood no

Hurt afterwards: a bit sore yes, gums were tender

Eat and drink that evening: I think I stuck with soups and easy food

How long were gums sore: a few days

Working/socialising: yes fine, was back to work the next day

Did it work: yes! Stopped the bone loss in its tracks. Ten years later and obviously I still have periodontal gum disease, but with regular hygienist and brushing it's very well managed.

Check with your consultant first, but I'm pretty sure I took some painkillers before going in so they'd be taking the edge off straight afterwards.

Good luck - you'll be fine, and it is so worth having it done.

Yep I’ve had it done and was very het up about it before hand. I wish I hadn’t been, it was completely fine. To me it felt like a normal hygienist appointment, no pain afterwards and I just ate soft foods for the first 24 hours. No bleeding issues either.

Thank you @Querty123456 and @BingleDiBing - that doesn't sound so bad after all! I am really anxious about it though! Could I just ask - did you have deep pockets or just little ones? I have a couple of 8s in the back molars and 4s and 5s elsewhere.

Yep mine were that bad. Apparently the treatment was successful and some of the pocket depths have reduced. I would say that you really need to commit to a real programme of tooth and gum care if you want to keep your teeth. I used a water flosser after every meal, do oil pulling with coconut oil every day and use interdental brushes, flossing and inter space brushing every day on top of brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush. I also take q10 supplements and take xylitol mints after I’ve eaten. It’s a lot but I’m really keen to avoid losing any teeth!