Teeth Bleeding

My partner has been told to buy a Sonicare toothbrush and have a four stage perio scaling and root planning procedure. He has no pain and feel like the dentist is pushing this procedure  when he is not sure what to do.
   My friend, a retired dentist, told me to buy extra soft toothbrush and that is all I need but I am wondering why this Sonicare toothbrush is more valid and if this perio procedure is a Must? Sandi

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

That's a hard question to answer.  It depends on the diagnosis and what the conditions are.  If your partner does indeed have severe periodontal disease, then the perio scaling would be necessary and the initial step to treatment.  After a re-evaluation in 4-6 weeks, the disease could be present, in which case another round of scaling may be needed or a referral to a specialist for gum surgery, bone grafting, etc.  

As for the toothbrush, I'm not sure.  Does your partner have any motor problems with their  hands?  Electric toothbrushes are great for patients whose manual dexterity is limited.  It also times your brushing (so you brush the proper amount of time) and it should shut off if you brush too hard.