A deep teeth cleaning or a dental deep cleaning procedure involves two parts – the first is gum or periodontal scaling and the second is root planing. Both aspects of the deep teeth cleaning process can be performed using electric or ultrasonic instruments or manual dentist scaling tools, or a combination of the two.
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 involves removing plaque from areas of the teeth below the gumline to help reduce the gap between the teeth and gums caused by gum disease. The procedure differs from a regular scale or scale and polish, where your dentist removes plaque from above the gumline.
Dentists do not use general anesthesia on patients for deep cleaning the teeth. Sensitive patients, however, may need oral sedation. Dentists can also use local anesthetics and nitrous oxide to limit the discomfort of the procedure.
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.
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.
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.
The depth of cleaning required to eliminate plaque from beneath your gum line will likely mean that your gums begin bleeding during treatment. When you return home from receiving a teeth cleaning, you might experience some minor bleeding from your gums.
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.
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.
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.
Avoid sharp or crunch foods, like nuts and popcorn, for at least 24 hours post-treatment. Avoid hot foods and beverages, like hot soup or hot coffee, for about 48 hours post-treatment. Avoid highly acidic foods, like oranges and tomatoes, for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
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 short, not only will your teeth not fall out following a deep cleaning, but they will be healthier, stronger, and your smile will look better, too.
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.
Most people recommend deep cleaning your home at least once a month. However, if you have a lot of clutter, you may need to do it more often. And if you have pets, you'll definitely want to deep clean your home more often to get rid of all the pet hair and dander!
There are two main reasons why dentists prefer splitting root scaling and planing treatments into multiple sessions. The first reason is to avoid numbing the patient's entire mouth. The effect of a local anesthetic lingers for hours after getting injected.
The most common complaint after a deep cleaning is minor gum tenderness and mild tooth sensitivity. It is important to note that deep cleanings can cause damage to the tooth's root if performed improperly or by an untrained person.
Spring is the perfect time to declutter, clean, and organize, but you should also deep clean more frequently than one season a year. One schedule you can choose to follow is seasonal, or about one weekend deep clean every 3 months.
You can expect swelling and pain for a few days or weeks because the deep cleaning process leaves your gums sensitive. You can use ice packs on your cheeks to manage the swelling. However, you must use the ice packs intermittently on and off for 15 intervals each and not longer because they can create tissue damage.
In some instances, a dense buildup of hard tartar “splints” teeth together, concealing the extent of bone loss and creating the illusion of stability. When this buildup is removed, any existing looseness may become more noticeable. As a result, teeth may feel loose following a deep cleaning.
CARE OF YOUR MOUTH:
Start brushing, flossing, and continue your prescribed oral hygiene regime immediately. You may have to GO EASY at first, but make every effort to keep your mouth plaque-free. We recommend rinsing your mouth several times on the day of treatment, with warm salt water (¼ tsp salt to glass of water).