20 years with a Periodontist, here's my thoughts.

[Tolkienista]

April 2002, I nervously walked through the doors of a renowned Periodontist, having been referred by my dentist, because he was concerned by my gum disease, I was so apprehensive.

Fast forward 20 years and countless appointments with a hygienist every four months and my Periodontist annually and I've only lost one tooth. Do I feel happy...........sort of. I am fastidious in my home cleaning regime because I know the consequence of poor cleaning and I would like to hold on to my teeth, but it is expensive being private. Had a hygienist appointment today and no matter how much time I spend on them, there's always areas I need to spend more time on. A bit disheartening, but I'd love to hear others experiences, as I honestly don't know any one in my friendship circle who has gum issues.

I totally understand! I've accepted it's something I'll have to pay out for for the rest of my life, what worries me is the other consequences of gum disease you read about on the rest of your health so it's an extra reason to keep on top of it. Like you I'm fastidious on my home routine but there is always something at each of my visits, I'd swap crap teeth for good gums any day!

I am always a bit suspicious about health care professionals whose income is improved by long term repeat patients- I wonder if you would have had the same experience with an NHS service. I also believe that hygienists receive lessons in patronising and criticising patients in a primary school teacher kind of fashion but will be interested in other responses.

The reason my gums are in the state they are now is due to years of NHS dental incompetence by dentist and hygienist I'm afraid - I'm still so angry that by the time I got to the private specialist it was almost too late to save the rest of my teeth.

Lots and lots of people have gum disease OP. I can garuntee you won't be the only one! The majority of the population has had some levels of gum disease at some point in their life.

The job of a hygienist is to ensure your oral hygiene is tip top. I wouldn't get disheartened, everyone has spots they miss when cleaning, it's natural. It's the job of the hygienist to pick these up. You've done well with 20 years and one 1 tooth loss!

Unfortunately once you have gum disease and have developed pocketing and bone loss, it often does require life long care. NHS treatment would still be 3 monthly cleans but likely more tooth loss. A periodontist has trained for years and years to get to where they are, they aren't some wheeler dealer door to door salesman. I'm sick and tired of people ignoring the advise of highly qualified professionals because they think they are all about the money. No one has to see a periodontist, its always a choice, you are welcome to not but if you have perio disease you will get worse outcomes with more tooth loss if you don't.

When I was a child, dental care was crap and I have been left with deep (unnecessary) fillings in my back teeth - causing problems. As a result I am a regular twice a year customer for a check and clean and have no ongoing issues - aside from those annoying fillings.

I think it's money well spent - someone once said to me, Only look after the teeth you want to keep! By putting regular effort in at home and at the dentist, ultimately it can save you a lot of money down the line.

Money well spent. But rather than staying with a periodontist, you could maybe have just regularly seen a private hygienist at your normal private dental practice. That might have been cheaper.

@applespearsbears

I totally understand! I've accepted it's something I'll have to pay out for for the rest of my life, what worries me is the other consequences of gum disease you read about on the rest of your health so it's an extra reason to keep on top of it. Like you I'm fastidious on my home routine but there is always something at each of my visits, I'd swap crap teeth for good gums any day!

Totally agree with your comments especially finding little issues that need addressing on every visit. Like you, i've accepted this is with me for the rest of my life and although i'm not happy about it, i know that i'm in very good hands. Since my first visit back in 2002, thanks to excellent treatment, my gum health has improved immeasurably. I haven't had any infections or scares that i had in prior years.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to comment, i really appreciate your thoughts. I honestly think i was shattered last night when i wrote my post, post covid fatigue, coupled with an extra long drive to the practice, due to multiple road works on the route! I really do appreciate all that my periodontist and hygienist have done for me and believe me they are good with years of experience between them.

My dentist who referred me, [who is also a friend] was so impressed with the improvement in my gum health when he saw me for my yearly check up after i'd been referred, promptly booked himself in for treatment too! so that is fair testament.

@Carrotten

Lots and lots of people have gum disease OP. I can garuntee you won't be the only one! The majority of the population has had some levels of gum disease at some point in their life.

The job of a hygienist is to ensure your oral hygiene is tip top. I wouldn't get disheartened, everyone has spots they miss when cleaning, it's natural. It's the job of the hygienist to pick these up. You've done well with 20 years and one 1 tooth loss!

Unfortunately once you have gum disease and have developed pocketing and bone loss, it often does require life long care. NHS treatment would still be 3 monthly cleans but likely more tooth loss. A periodontist has trained for years and years to get to where they are, they aren't some wheeler dealer door to door salesman. I'm sick and tired of people ignoring the advise of highly qualified professionals because they think they are all about the money. No one has to see a periodontist, its always a choice, you are welcome to not but if you have perio disease you will get worse outcomes with more tooth loss if you don't.

Great comments Carrotten, i totally agree with you. Please believe me that it has never been about money for me, i knew from day one i was going private and i've always been absolutely fine with that. I'm being treated by a highly trained periodontist, who is highly regarded and has transformed my mouth over the past 20 years. I am in awe of him. Similarly, the same goes for my hygienist.

When i wrote my post late last night i was exhausted and probably a little frustrated that after my fastidious home cleaning regime......yet again there were areas picked up that needed extra attention. I'm fine today and just wanted people to know that i am so grateful my mouth is in good hands. Thanks.......

Yes I’m in a similar situation. My tooth regime am & pm take at least 15 mins each time, I’m so in awe of people who can get away with 2 mins with an electric toothbrush.