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.
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.
Can deep cleanings be done in one visit? Yes, but we do not recommend it. Deep cleaning of the entire mouth in one visit is usually discouraged for three reasons. Anesthetic – If local anesthetic is used to make the procedure painless, treating the entire mouth would require anesthesia of the entire mouth.
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.
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.
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 good news is you don't have to wait long. You can eat as soon as you feel ready to do so. But this is if you only had a deep dental cleaning. If your dentist did a cleaning and a fluoride treatment, you'll have to wait for at least thirty minutes.
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.
Can Teeth Fall Out After Deep Cleaning? Sometimes, plaque and tartar buildup fill the pockets in your gums, making your teeth feel more stable than they are. After they remove the buildup, your teeth can feel loose and like they are more 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.
Brush and floss gently following a deep cleaning, resuming normal brushing and flossing when the soreness is gone. If an antimicrobial mouthwash such as chlorhexidine Gluconate or peridex has been prescribed for you, rinse with it for 30 seconds daily before bedtime. Do not drink or eat for 30 minutes afterward.
Many times after extensive brushing or a dental cleaning, the oxide layer is removed and increases the chance of a metallic taste. See your doctor. Contact your primary care physician and discuss this problem with them to rule out chronic infection or other possibilities. Rinse your mouth.
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.
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.
We recommend taking a non-aspirin pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) unless contraindicated by your doctor. These medications can be taken immediately after treatment to reduce discomfort and can be readministered every 8 hours or as needed.
This is called scaling or debridement. Once the plaque is removed, the next step is root planing. The periodontist uses tools to smooth out the surfaces of the roots. This takes care of any remaining bacteria, resulting in a clean, even surface that the gums can reattach to.
In most situations, the anesthesia your dentist uses will numb the tooth for 1 to 2 hours. Additionally, the following 3 to 5 hours may leave your lips, face, and tongue numb, which can be frustrating if you're attempting to return to normal activities immediately following your appointment.
Some hygienists are extremely rough because they don't angulate the blade of the instrument correctly.
Avoid brushing or flossing the treated area(s) for 12 hours. However, after 12 hours it is very important that you continue to brush very well. Please be careful brushing, and use a SOFT toothbrush.
Deep cleanings not only polish the visible part of the teeth but smooth down the surface of the root to help treat gum disease. This treatment often takes several hours and may cost from $150 to $300 without insurance. However, if you request anesthetics, the price for a deep cleaning may be significantly higher.