Anyone ever had root planing done?

[Akoto]

I am up at 2am and nervous about this, so I figured it's best to vent my dental phobia. :P

Went to a new dentist last week for a cleaning and exam, since I'd been having a little bit of pain. I only need two minor fillings, which is great, considering how long it has been. Unfortunately, they also diagnosed me with stage 2 periodontal disease. They said that they usually don't catch it so early, and that it could be controlled via root planing. They'd do it one half of my mouth at a time, about a week apart.

So, of course, I went home and made the mistake of reading about root planing on the internet.

Between the factual info and personal accounts, this procedure sounds like something out of the Saw movies. Anyone had a good experience with it? I want to back out, but I feel trapped, as they told me it will otherwise inevitably progress to stage 3-4 and cause far worse damage.

:scared:

[kedrys]

1. Ask for nitrous and enjoy the ride

I was so out of it I never felt a thing.

You are indeed lucky to have them catch periodontal disease early - when they decided to root plane me, they had to do it in four appointments because of the damage. Get it done and get it over with.

[City of Mills]

2. OH, it's nothing

Don't read about it, that's not going to help! They stick a swab in your mouth, it numbs where they inject you...you feel a tiny tiny pinch at worst, then your mouth gets all droopy and drooly...then they go to town, and you don't feel it. When it's over, you feel your face with your fingers because it's funny and numb, and a few hours later the numbness wears off and you might feel a bit sore.

Then you go back a little later, and have the other side done. Don't fret, it's nothing, really. Have fun with it, youll be able to make some good Billy Idol sneers :)

FYI i'm no fan of dentist visits, i needed the planing after not having a cleaning in prob. 10 years. It's really not a big deal at all!

Oh, and it helps to have an ipod or something playing with some songs you like...