I hadn’t been to the dentist in a year because of a move and not having much time to find one in the transition. Today I had my first cleaning. Let me tell you it was tortuous. My last dentist was much more gentle. My gums bled too which has never happened. However, what concerns me is the gap that has appeared at the top of my two front teeth. Could they have chipped my teeth during the cleaning?
Candace
Dear Candace,
There could be a few things going on here.
Your Old Dentist Was Negligent
It may be that your old dentist was so gentle that they weren’t getting your calculus off your teeth, especially between your two front teeth where you noticed the gap. If that’s true, the gap isn’t a chip. But, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean every appointment need feel so torturous. We’ll go over some solutions in a moment.
Your Gums Have Receded Making it Look Like a Chip
You mentioned your gums were bleeding. If that’s the case, you could be developing gum disease. That would also cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. This will make your teeth look different than you’re used to seeing them.
In order for that area to be chipped would require massive force. I can’t fathom how it would have chipped during a cleaning. That doesn’t mean your dentist wasn’t overly rough. I’d like to give you some solutions for that.
Finding an Effective Gentle Dentist
Having a gentle dentist doesn’t have to mean an ineffective dentist. They have ways of doing their job while minimizing your pain. However, if your last dentist was negligent, it may mean you’re more tender than normal and need a lot of work done.
If that’s the case, I’d suggest finding a dentist who advertises as both a gentle dentist and a sedation dentist. That will allow you to have stress-free appointments while the dentist gets your oral health back in shape. Then, when you’re healthy you can go back to regular appointments if you prefer. Make sure they do a thorough evaluation of your gums, though. I am concerned about that.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.