Dentist question

[kateritek9.livejournal.com]

I looked through some of the previous tags on Dentists, which is how I picked Dr. Shick two years ago (thanks LJ!). I was wondering however - how long should a cleaning take? I go the usual amount - 2x a year, and with Dr. Shick I am in and out in 15 minutes! Some how that seems too quick. I know part of the shortened time is because the Dr. does the cleaning himself (no hygenist), but the 15 minutes includes xrays, cleaning, and exam.

Any thoughts? How long does your typical cleaning last? Thanks!

Comments

[ruthling.livejournal.com]

I see him too, and have been happy with the quick time for a cleaning. If your teeth are in good shape, it shouldn't really take very long (mine do feel clean when he's done). Plus, there's no extra wait to see the dentist, since he does the cleanings himself.

[olszowka.livejournal.com]

The time should vary with the amount of tartar on your teeth. I have more than typical and my cleanings usually take 1/2 hour without x-ray, etc. This week I had a cleaning that took 1 and 1/4 hours, but the hygenist had to remove stains caused by a drug I was taking as followup to periodontic surgery.

[mermaidcafe.livejournal.com]

I think mine takes around half an hour without waiting time factored in. But I have to use the straw-thingy a lot during my cleaning, so that slows things down.

I agree with ruthling that if things are doing ok then it's possible to have it done that quickly and still be thorough, especially with a dentist that knows your history and tendencies already. But if you feel like there's a problem with your teeth, you could always get a second opinion.

[wonkywheels.livejournal.com]

I feel the same way. I also go to Dr. Shick, and I love that the cleanings are so quick, but then I wonder, "Is this really enough??"

If it's too quick it makes you wonder...

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

Can you describe what he actually does? Does he use the scraping tools or just the ultrasound tip?...

Re: If it's too quick it makes you wonder...

[wonkywheels.livejournal.com]

He uses scraping tools and also that electric toothbrush thingy (I don't know what an ultrasound tip is). It just seems to be pretty fast. But then again, I have good teeth -- no cavities or anything.

Re: If it's too quick it makes you wonder...

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

My periodontist, who does the cleaning twice a year, uses an ultrasound gadget to remove some of the plaque, in addition to the regular tools. I don't like it because it produces incredibly loud high-pitch noises that are bone conducted. I would not be surprised if it killed a bunch of high-pitch hair cells in the cochlea each time she does it. So, I told her not to use it on me anymore.

Yes, too quick

[cyclopediabrown.livejournal.com]

The good part of going to the dentist is that extra-fresh clean mouth feeling after a good cleaning.

I went to Dr. Schick once when my insurance changed and I couldn't go to Dr. Casey Cook. The cleaning took about ten minutes, and I don't think my teeth were any cleaner than after a good brushing.

I never went back, and thankfully my job changed and I got back in with Dr. Cook.

Re: Yes, too quick

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

The extra-fresh clean mouth feeling is just due to the minty stuff on the brush at the end of the cleaning. A good cleaning leaves a bloody taste in your mouth (before they use the minty stuff)!

[oneagain.livejournal.com]

I just (overcame my fear and) went to see a dentist today for the first time in a long while. My appt was for 1pm. I was seen by the hygienist shortly after I got there who also took ex rays and numbers. We had to take a couple of very short breaks. I didn't get out of there until almost a quarter to 3, and I will have to go back a couple more times to finish the job, but it *has* been over 4 years since I've seen one (shame on me, but *really* bad, painful experience before).

She had to do a lot more work for me since, due to not seeing a dentist and having had cleaning in the hard to reach parts for so long, I was having some gum issues, Good news is that generally, my teeth are in great shape, as usual, and the when the cleaning procedure is complete, I should be all set.

Don't know if that helps, but I will tell you that this woman, who works there 2 days a week and teaches dental hygiene in Lowell 3 days a week, was perhaps the best dental tehcnician I have ever had and I would recommend her to anyone.

[alphacygni]

I also go to Dr. Shick and have been pleased but slightly confused by the super-quick service. I had a cavity filled there once that was also almost supernaturally quick. However, I've had that filling for a couple of years now, absolutely no problems with it, and it's the best-looking filling I've got.

The woman who works as his office manager is also amazing. She can calculate what your insurance will pay in multiple configurations and just make it all work. Priceless.

So, I'm still a bit bemused by the speed, but I have no reason for complaint.