The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
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.
Scaling and root planing helps the gums to reattach to the tooth roots. Oftentimes, this will reduce gingival bleeding, diminish inflammation and cause the crevices or spaces around the teeth to become less deep. This will allow you better access to clean these important areas.
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.
Teeth scaling and root planing are the best treatments for periodontitis. Research has shown these procedures are effective in reducing gum pockets. Reducing pockets lowers the risk of infection, which in turn reduces the risk of tissue, bone, and tooth loss associated with advanced periodontal disease.
Within a week the gums will start to heal and reattach to the roots of the teeth. The initial discomfort should be gone. Full recovery and reattachment can take up to 6 or 8 weeks, but patients are usually back to normal eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing within the first week.
Most periodontists recommend scaling and root planing twice a year or more, depending on the severity of your gum disease. In fact, some patients are seen every 3 – 4 months.
Scaling and root planing risks include swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, pain, and discomfort in your gums. During the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to make you more comfortable. After the procedure, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to make you more comfortable.
Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. Wait at least two hours before eating, and then select a soft diet for the first 48-72 hours, chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid alcoholic drinks and hot or spicy foods until your gums are healed.
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.
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.
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.
In gum disease, the gums recede away from teeth due to the buildup of excess bacteria. Gums can tighten around teeth following scaling; however, gum tissue does not regenerate or fully grow back like other tissues such as that in the skin.
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.
Minor bleeding and swelling may occur, but this should subside after a few days. Other risks include issues with gum reattachment, gum recession, or nerve damage. These side effects are rare, and most patients have no issues after their treatment.
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.
If performed as soon as possible, scaling and root planing can sometimes reverse gingivitis, preventing it from progressing into more serious gum disease. However, in many cases, gum disease has already settled enough to make reversing it impossible.
Scaling will make teeth move:
The movement of the teeth is most likely to be temporary physiological or even pathological. Doctors regularly see cases with heavy calculus deposits receding the gum line, leading to compromised periodontal health.
The Bottom Line on Pain and Discomfort
This procedure is not considered painless. However, it is not particularly painful. It can be uncomfortable and cause sensitivity and tenderness to the gums. This is an expected result from having the scaling and planing procedure.
The average cost for a scaling and root planing procedure is around $200 to $300 if you don't have dental insurance. Learn more about how this procedure works, associated costs and financing options to help you pay. Advanced gum disease (chronic periodontitis) occurs in 47.2% of American adults over 30.
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.
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.
The short answer is no, the procedure is not painful. You will experience discomfort upon completion but the actual process can be completed with the administration of a local anesthetic to the soft tissue to minimize any unpleasant feelings during the process.