Dental Cleanings

[Magali]

I haven't been to a dentist in a looooooong time. I looked in my mouth the other day and noticed I have some decay. So I've made an appointment to have my mouth checked out a by a dentist and the appointment is for a cleaning as well. I am a little nervous about the cleaning and would like some input about what to watch out for, or if I should even get a cleaning at all. Do I really need the cleaning? It's not a money issue, it's a "I don't want something done to me that cold cause more harm than good" issue.

Thoughts? Advice?

[Snapdragon]

YES, get cleanings! I could write for hours on this subject. But I didn't get cleanings for like 10 years and it caused a LOT of problems in my mouth. Now I get regular cleanings. No harm to clean- only good.

[Magali]

Thanks. I am just so wary of every single thing done to me now...even a simple cleaning.

[Snapdragon]

why?

[Magali]

Because of things done to me in the past by doctors, I now try to be actively involved and aware of what medical professionals are doing to me. I'm not going to make the mistake of blindly trusting anyone to know what is best for me (barring emergency situations of course) and I try to research as much as possible. So that carries over to dentists too I suppose.

[Snapdragon]

I hear you 100%. I had a crazy situation in which at first I didn't go to the dentist for 10 years. then when I did I had so many problems- long story. But then I went the other direction and gave my total power away and let them do way too many bad things. I think getting cleanings can prevent a lot of problems in the future though.

[Magali]

Yes, It's been about 10 years for me too . It was a big deal for me to make the appointment. So thanks for your input, it is appreciated .

[Youngfrankenstein]

First, I would say to find a dentist you love. I found one with a big ad in the yellow pages and he's been great. I have extensive tooth decay and over the last year he's been "working his way around my mouth". It's not fun but it's not the worst.

I've lost 1 tooth and didn't want to lose any more!

[Snapdragon]

I agree with above advice. I had so many awful procedures done to me by awful dentists, it was horrible. In the end I found a great dentist to do some corrective procedures- I had to travel to him. He was so amazing- such a top quality dentist and a gentle lovely person- that even though I had 2 major surgeries with him, I think only fondly of the experience! A good dentist makes all the difference. Plus, being clear about what you want and don't want.