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.
Deep cleaning typically doesn't require numbing your mouth; the dentist will decide whether to numb your mouth based on the condition of your teeth's roots and the depth of the pockets. If you do feel any discomfort or pain, let your dentist know.
The average time for a deep cleaning visit is approximately 45 minutes. In most cases, a deep cleaning will take two visits to clean both sides of the mouth.
Following dental anesthesia, the lips, gums and cheeks can remain numb for up to two hours.
If you need a lengthy or invasive treatment, like a deep cleaning, you will benefit from oral conscious sedation.
Deep teeth cleaning can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. You dentist will give you a local anesthetic, either in the form of a gel or an injection, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure.
Some swelling or discomfort is normal
Following a deep cleaning, your teeth may be more sensitive than usual. This can last for up to several weeks. You may also experience some slight swelling or bruising. Icing the area can help with this, but please notify us if you experience any major swelling.
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.
On average, it takes anywhere from 5 to 7 days for the gums to heal after a deep cleaning. While your mouth is healing, you may experience some bleeding and swelling of the gums. Teeth are likely to be sensitive, as their roots have recently been exposed.
You might feel a burning sensation for a few seconds as the drug is injected. As the effects of Novocaine wear off, you may feel a tingling sensation in the area where it was injected. The area may also feel sore. Side effects from Novocaine are usually very mild and will usually go away quickly.
Clean the mouth before the appointment: Brushing teeth and disinfecting the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash helps reduce the risk of infection. Bacteria is transferred into the patient's blood during the procedure, so keeping bacteria populations in the mouth to a minimum lowers the risk of infection.
You can have deep cleanings whenever it feels necessary. Still, make sure you have at least two dental cleanings per year. Deep cleanings are for patients with oral issues like gum disease and tooth decay every three months. Consult with your dentist to determine how often you should have deep cleanings.
You might need a deep cleaning if gum disease causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating a space greater than 5 millimeters (mm) deep. If gum disease worsens, the space between your gums and teeth can continue to widen. This can weaken the bones that support your teeth, causing loose teeth or tooth loss.
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.
How long does a dental deep cleaning take? Dental scaling and planing can often be done in a single, one or two-hour visit to the dentist. However, if you have numerous trouble spots or the infection is widespread, the dentist will usually work on one or two quadrants of your mouth per appointment.
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.
Should I brush my teeth after a deep cleaning? Yes, it is essential that you brush and floss to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your mouth plaque-free. However, your gums may be tender right after a deep cleaning, so make sure to go easy at first.
The answer is yes, at least temporarily! During the process of cleaning your teeth, they will certainly be whitened a bit as we remove any plaque and tartar buildup. However, this is no replacement for professional teeth whitening if you are looking for a more brilliant smile.
But you might be curious about what you should be doing after the cleaning is complete. We recommend you avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 – 60 minutes after your cleaning. The timing should be enough to ensure your teeth can recover from the procedure and keep from feeling sensitive.
Once the numbness wears off and you can feel your tongue and lips again, you can eat! This may take a few hours though. It's important to be cautious with what you eat during the healing process. The last thing we want is a piece of popcorn or other hard food getting lodged in your gums.
The most important thing you can do is make sure the dishes are washed or loaded into the dishwasher before your cleaning professional arrives. Make sure to put away any leftovers, put things like bread and pasta boxes in the pantry, and clear away any food scraps before the cleaner comes.