Horrible Scale and Polish at Dentist

(from one who likes to get her money's worth)
I've just noticed that they've now added 'if clinically needed' on the NHS website. If they suggest a scale and polish - that proves it is needed (before you book the next one):

'Band 1: £23.80
Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish (if clinically needed), and planning for further treatment.'

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/how-much-will-i-pay-for-nhs-dental-treatment/

We both went to the hygienist's last week and we both felt she had rattled every tooth in our heads. She used to water flosser/cleaner thing and then the metal probe thing - it took ages and i know she was being thorough but it was uncomfortable and she didn't speak a word. Is bedside manner not a thing anymore?

One thing I get free is a check up and clean because the insurance actually covers this. Not much else but it’s something at least. I love how clean your teeth feel after a clean and polish. No matter how much I brush myself with my electric toothbrush they still feel mossy after a couple of hours.

Paracetamol a couple of hours before hand, and I put some Bonjela on my gums too and that seemed to help.
New hygienist is lovely - very gentle and thorough - but I still do the preventative pain relief before hand!

I had some treatment last week from a periodontist. I’d gone to the dentist with toothache and an X-ray revealed infection below the gum line. I wouldn’t recommend this treatment but I’ll do anything to maintain my dents health. When I go to the dentist or hygienist I’m a bit “cards on the table” with them. I remind them that the water drill causes me problems and that I have a gag reflex. I find it helps to speak out both before and during treatment. If a particular hygienist causes a problem then ask to change if possible.

Not dents but dental!

I had a scale without the polish yesterday and I am left with jaggy bits on the back of my lower teeth. I now have a sore tongue because it keeps rubbing the area.
I have a female dentist who is very kind and stops if I raise my hand but lying flat and having all the water in my mouth is a horrible experience.
I took paracetamol an hour before the appointment, seemed to help a little.

aonk
My daughter had 3 of those treatments. It sounded like absolute torture, and it cost her £1,700 😱
But it did work. All her infection has gone.

My hygienist only uses the water flosser if requested, otherwise as during covid, does manual scraping.
My previous dentist used to scale and polish at a check up, but now going to the hygienist I can see this is done much more thoroughly.

I’d hate to lose teeth because of gum disease.

I have really sensitive teeth and dread having a scale and polish. But I found the water flossing much easier to cope with. I always used to lose a filling every time I had a scrape and polish but this time ( touch wood) my fillings have remained intact.

Why do people have this done? I never have. How long does any effect last?

Because some people suffer from a build up of plaque no matter how much they clean their teeth and plaque can lead to gum disease.

I hate all the water in my mouth, while the nurse seemingly stands there with the suction thing just suctioning fresh air!

A previous dentist (now retired) used a small suction device that hooked over the lip. He always used to give it to the patient - tell us where it was needed and then left it to us to put it in place so it was comfortable and we could tilt it around if water started building up.