Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning (scale and root planing) is one of the most common approaches to addressing periodontal disease. The deep teeth cleaning process will begin with an initial evaluation from your dentist to determine what areas of your mouth may require a deep teeth cleaning. Once this is determined, your procedure will begin with the administering of a local anesthetic to numb the area that will be addressed. Sedation options will also be available for patients who have sensitive gums, dental anxiety, or severe cases of periodontal disease.
Once numbed, your dentist will use a dental scaler to remove the plaque that has accumulated beneath the gumline. The roots of your teeth will then be smoothed in order to curb further bacterial growth. Smoothing your roots will also help assist the healing process. Depending on the extent of your periodontal disease, the scaling and root planing may be completed in one visit or may require two sessions. If only one or two quadrants require attention, it may be possible to perform the deep teeth cleaning in one visit. If three or all quadrants need to be worked on, your dentist will likely separate these procedures into two separate visits.
After completing the procedure, you will need to come back for a follow-up visit in about six months. This follow-up visit will allow your periodontist to assess your oral health and measure gum pocket depths.
In order to ensure you have a quick and successful healing process, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing consistently and being mindful of your diet. If your condition has not improved sufficiently by this follow up visit, your periodontist may need to discuss additional actions that may be necessary, such as osseous surgery or more frequent deep teeth cleanings.
How Painful is Recovery from Deep Teeth Cleaning?
For some, the potential pain involved in having a deep teeth cleaning may be cause for concern. This is especially common among people who have dental phobia, which typically occurs as a result of an earlier traumatic experience at the dentist. These are perfectly normal concerns to have, but it is important to not let these concerns stand in the way of your oral health. If you have dental phobia or are hesitant to schedule a deep teeth cleaning due to fear of experiencing pain, contact your provider to discuss what types of dental sedation offerings they provide.
Most clinics offer a range of dental sedation, which may include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. Nitrous Oxide is a mild form of sedation inhaled through a mask and helps patients relax while remaining conscious. The benefits include quick onset and recovery, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. Oral Sedation involves taking a pill or liquid medication prior to the appointment. Oral sedation can provide moderate anxiety relief, allowing some patients to lay still for longer procedures without discomfort.