What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
One of the most common and effective methods for managing periodontal disease is a procedure known as a deep teeth cleaning (or scaling and root planning). Before starting this treatment, you will have an initial consultation with your care provider so they can evaluate what areas of your mouth may need attention. Your periodontist will provide an explanation of what your treatment needs are, after which you will schedule an appointment.
Prior to beginning the deep teeth cleaning, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the targeted area. Dental sedation may also be used if deemed necessary. Once you are comfortably numb, a dental scaler will be used to remove plaque that may have accumulated below the gumline. Next, the roots of your teeth are smoothed out, as doing so helps prevent further bacterial growth and will speed up your recovery.
Depending on how advanced your periodontal condition is, you may require one or two visits. For the deep teeth cleaning procedure, the mouth is divided into four quadrants. Some patients may only require one or two quadrants to be worked on whereas others may require three or all four. If only one or two quadrants of your mouth need attention, this is typically completed in one visit, but if three or all quadrants are affected, splitting the procedure across two appointments may be recommended.
After the scaling and root planing is complete, you will schedule a follow-up appointment within six months. At this follow up, your periodontist will assess your overall oral health and measure the depth of your gum pockets. During this intervening period, it is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing and flossing and eating a healthy diet. If your gums and teeth have not sufficiently improved by the time this follow up is scheduled, you may require additional treatments, such as more frequent periodontal maintenance or ossesous surgery.
Does it Hurt?
After undergoing deep teeth cleaning, patients may experience increased sensitivity in their gums and teeth. A throbbing sensation is also not uncommon, and may develop ponce the anesthesia has worn off. This discomfort will usually subside after the first day and should be completely gone after several days.
During this recovery period, it is a good idea to avoid consuming any food or beverages that are excessively hot or cold. You may also need to implement gentle brushing techniques and careful flossing to avoid aggravating your gums. To help reduce your risk of experiencing pain and avoiding complications, be sure to closely follow your aftercare instructions, which may include details on how to manage post-cleaning sensitivity follow your deep teeth cleaning.
While you may experience some discomfort during or following your deep teeth cleaning, try to remember how much better you will feel following the procedure. After meticulously cleaning your gums, which will effectively eradicate harmful deposits, you will have significantly reduced your risk of developing gum disease, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and receding gums. The benefits of improved gum health will also elevate your smile and may help ensure you enjoy good physical health, as periodontal issues have been associated with conditions like diabetes and heart disease.