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When is deep teeth cleaning necessary vs regular teeth cleaning?

I'm a 53 year old female whose had regular teeth cleanings up to 2 years ago and no dental problems. Went to dentist recently, got full xrays with no cavities or other problems, but they refused to give me a regular cleaning saying I needed a deep cleaning with several visits due to a couple 5 pockets and one 6 pocket. Leaving me with a minimum $500 payment after my dental insurance.
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Christian T Yaste DDS
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What a great question. It is one I have heard on many occasions, but is difficult to give a brief and concise answer to. In a nutshell, current research shows that 60% of the population over 40 have gum disease. Gum disease has several forms and can become aggressively active at anytime. We do not fully understand why it starts, but there are several factors that can play a part including your genetics, immune system, and local factors. It is quite possible that your gums and the supporting structures have become infected even within the 2 year time period that you have not seen a dentist. It is unfortunate that the term "deep cleaning" was used to describe your needs. A more accurate description of your needs is non-surgical periodontal therapy. Periodontal therapy is the treatment of the structures below your gums or the foundation which your teeth are in. A traditional cleaning or dental prophylaxis is treating the parts of your teeth above the gum tissue. Because it requires more time and skill than a traditional dental prophylaxis, this therapy is always more expensive. My advice would be to invest in having periodontal therapy. Without a healthy foundation for your teeth they may quickly become compromised to the point where they begin to shift and loosen.
 
 
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