Deep cleaning is a common dental procedure that will not cause your teeth to become loose and certainly won't lead to them falling out. On the contrary, a deep cleaning is instrumental in stopping the progression of gum disease and restoring your gums to health.
The disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth include nerve damage and potential infections if you have a compromised immune system. The cleaning might cause pain, and sensitivity in the treatment doesn't guarantee reattachment of your gums to the teeth. The cleaning might even cause further gum recession.
The concern may come from the fact that some plaque and tartar buildup fill the pockets in your gums so completely that your teeth feel almost “cemented” in place. Once that buildup is removed, in comparison, your teeth feel loose. But that doesn't make them likely to fall out!
While any gum loss experienced due to gum disease will not grow back, the majority of patients can expect their gums to reattach after undergoing a deep cleaning. This is because all of the harmful bacteria has been removed, allowing the gums to once again be healthy.
The Professional Cleaning
Once in place, the dentist will begin to scrape tartar off from your teeth below and above the gum line. Your dentist might also decide to use an ultrasonic vibrating device to break up tartar on your teeth, then rinse it off with a jet of water.
Some people may find that their teeth feel looser after having the treatment. This is because removing the tartar from the pockets between the gums and teeth creates a gap between the two, which can cause the teeth to feel loose. Over time, the gums should reattach to the teeth, making the teeth feel more secure.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, and suffer from bone loss, inflammation, and/or tartar has accumulated beneath the gumline, then the hygienist will need to clean 'deeper' below the gumline, and this is often known as a dental deep cleaning.
On average, it takes about 5 – 7 days for your gums to heal after deep cleaning. During this period, it's possible to experience minor gum soreness, swelling, and tooth sensitivity.
In addition, when the dentist removes the infection and tartar, they also smoothen the roots to allow your gums to heal around your teeth. As a result, you can expect a significant tightening of the gums in approximately five days after deep cleaning.
Saltwater gargle – just like hydrogen peroxide, salt water is an effective disinfectant. First, it will help draw out the hidden bacteria in the mouth, and gradually, gums will be stronger along with loose teeth. Turmeric & Black pepper – this combination of natural ingredients is effective in treating the loose tooth.
The Risks involved
This can lead to loose teeth, bone loss and teeth falling out.
Scaling doesn't create new spaces or gaps among teeth. It has already been created by calculus deposits and loss of bone support. The spaces had earlier been filled by debris so were not visible. Once cleaned, the spaces become vacant and apparently gives a feel that they have been created after cleaning.
So, How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take? The process for a deep teeth cleaning usually requires more than one visit. On average, you can assume that your dentist or highly skilled hygienist will be able to clean ¼ of your mouth in about 45-60 minutes or so, depending on the level of plaque and hardened calculus buildup.
A deep dental cleaning is necessary when there is a significant amount of bacteria and tartar buildup on the surfaces of your teeth. Once pockets form from gum disease, the bacteria and tartar begin to fill these pockets. If not removed, periodontal disease and eventually tooth loss can take place.
The American Dental Association recommends you see your dentist at least once a year for deep cleaning. If you have a history of gum disease, you should get your teeth cleaned twice a year to prevent infections or complications.
Some patients may notice that their gum recession has not improved after treatment. In fact, once the swelling associated with gum disease goes away, the gums could appear to be receding even more than before the deep cleaning. This is normal for some people.
Most patients respond very well to deep cleaning and, with good after care, see rapid improvement in the condition of their gums. Over time, pockets will shrink and your gums will be restored.
A tooth that is free of tartar has a better chance of allowing the gum tissues to heal and reattach to it. As a result, some deep gum pockets can be reduced after a deep cleaning.
Your gums and teeth will be sensitive immediately following your deep cleaning. Watch what you eat and avoid food or drink that may cause irritation. Hot or cold foods, hard or sharp foods, and anything that requires excessive chewing should be avoided for around 48 hours.
Does a deep cleaning hurt? Since deep cleanings are more thorough, and go further below the gumline than regular cleanings, they can potentially cause some discomfort or pain. To ensure your comfort during your deep cleaning, your dentist will numb the treatment site before beginning.
For some, the “weird” feeling may be a sense of cleanliness by not having a film of plaque on their teeth. For others, they may experience temporary tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity most often occurs after a dentist performs a deep cleaning which involves more contact with a patient's gums than regular cleaning.
After the deep cleaning procedure, when your mouth is still numb and the local anesthetic and (optional) laughing gas is wearing off, it's important that you refrain from eating. Eating while numb can increase the chances of you biting your cheeks or tongue and disrupting the healing process.
Deep Teeth Cleaning Cost
A deep cleaning at the dentist is also called scaling and planing. This is different from the regular cleaning you get twice a year. It is a deeper cleaning that goes under your gums to prevent or cure gum disease. Dental deep cleaning may cost $150 to $350 if you don't have dental insurance.