Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?
A deep teeth cleaning is the only way to remove the buildup of harmful plaque and tartar on your teeth below the gumline, which will immediately reduce gum inflammation and improve your gum health.
Plaque is a clear, sticky film that collects on all teeth daily. It contains bacteria and develops when your food mixes with your saliva. You can remove the plaque, which forms on your teeth each day, by simply brushing and flossing your teeth as strongly suggested.
Brushing will not remove the plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Any remaining plaque then calcifies or hardens, which contains damaging bacteria.
This accumulation of plaque or tartar leads to gum disease. This begins with gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the gingivitis will soon progress to periodontitis. This is now a serious infection that can destroy the bones supporting your teeth.
What Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Involve?
Deep teeth cleaning differs from your routine teeth cleaning. Your regular cleaning removes the plaque on the crown of the tooth above the gumline. A deep teeth cleaning goes further by removing the plaque below the gumline.
Gum disease will create a gap to develop between your teeth and gums, where more plaque will easily accumulate. Cleaning below the gumline removes all this harmful buildup.
Deep teeth cleaning involves scaling and root planing. Complete mouth deep teeth cleaning usually takes two visits. Each visit may take around 90 minutes.
Plaque and tartar are the primary source of the bacteria causing your gum disease. By deep teeth cleaning and removing this source of the gum infection your gums will heal naturally and return to proper oral health. The swelling and inflammation subside, the bleeding stops, the color returns to normal and once again the gums support your teeth.
What are the Benefits of Deep Teeth Cleaning?
You will need a deep teeth cleaning if gum disease has caused your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating a gap greater than the normal three millimeters deep.
If your dentist recommends a deep teeth cleaning, the benefits include:
- Both stopping and reversing the advancement of your gum disease.
- Treating the current infection and promoting natural healing.
- Cleaning your teeth both above and below your gumline.
- Eliminating your bad breath caused by gum disease.
- Protecting the roots of your teeth.
Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?
The deep teeth cleaning procedure may cause some discomfort, so you will receive a local anesthetic to numb your gums during your treatment.
You might also expect some sensitivity after your treatment. Your gums might swell slightly, and you could encounter some brief minor bleeding.
It is strongly advised to eat soft foods, like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes, for a couple of days following your procedure to reduce sensitivity. It is also best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks until your gums have recovered.
Taking over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen will reduce inflammation, as well as rinsing with warm salt water.
Brushing and flossing on a consistent basis promotes healing and reduces the possibility of gum inflammation. Use a softer bristle toothbrush at least twice per day, two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day.