5 and 6mm pockets

[Jack Addis]

Hello, I’m new to the forum.

I’m 72 years old and I didn’t start having periodontal probe measurements done in my mouth until 8 years ago, after I changed dentists. My pockets were always 2, 3 and a few 4 mm’s.

When the coronavirus occurred, I was afraid to go to the dentist. After 12 months I broke down and made an appointment. My pocket probe readings, taken by the hygienist, were up to 5 mm & 6 mm’s on my back capped molars, and more 4 mm’s than I had before.

I’m meticulous about brushing, flossing, Proxa brushing, antibacterial rinsing, and wearing a night guard. I don’t what else care I could do at home.

I’m worried and I don’t know what should I do next?

 

[MattKW]

Sounds like you're doing a meticulous job of maintenance. Is this the same hygienist who charted 2,3,4s?

 

[Jack Addis]

Sounds like you're doing a meticulous job of maintenance. Is this the same hygienist who charted 2,3,4s?

No, not the same hygienist. In fact, my dentist sold his practice and retired. The whole staff is new. The dentists don't own the practice, it's more of a clinic now.

 

[honestdoc]

No, not the same hygienist. In fact, my dentist sold his practice and retired. The whole staff is new. The dentists don't own the practice, it's more of a clinic now.

There is a chance if you are in the US, the hygienist gets production pay for Scaling & Root Planing. If so, it is to his/her advantage to record deeper probe readings to justify those procedures. Get different opinions at another clinic if your last dentist sold his practice. The new owner may be hungrier.

 

[Jack Addis]

Thanks for replying to my post. I am in the U.S. A second opinion is exactly what I'm going to do.