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.
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.
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.
Some may not experience pain, especially those with minimal gum pocket depths; they may feel little or no discomfort throughout and after the cleaning process, even without administering anesthetics. On the other hand, some patients experience pain during and after the in-depth dental deep cleaning process.
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.
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.
If your visit to the dentist reveals significant pockets- those 4mm or greater, then you are at risk for (or in the stages of), periodontal disease. This makes you a candidate for the therapy (a deep teeth cleaning) and it is highly recommended if you want to stop and prevent the progression of the disease.
Immediately after a deep cleaning you might have some discomfort and aching. After your mouth has had some time to heal you should notice some of the following improvements: Decreased bleeding when brushing and flossing. Better smelling breath.
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.
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.
Any food or drink that is high in acid like tomatoes, citrus fruits, pickles, fruit juice and red wine are harsh on your mouth after a deep dental cleaning. Spicy and heavily seasoned foods may also cause your mouth some discomfort. Foods like hamburgers will cause you to open your mouth wider.
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 local anesthetic will be injected into the area, limiting discomfort in your gums and teeth. A scaling tool will be used to scrape away plaque and tartar from the tooth's roots. This will prevent cavities and decay from forming. Antibiotics may be used on the tooth and inner gum to combat disease and promote healing.
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.
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.
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.
The American Dental Association recommends getting teeth cleaning at least two times per year, but deep cleanings are typically performed as needed. For example, a person who has not had their teeth cleaned by a dentist in years might be advised to get a deep cleaning.
“To eliminate bacterial levels and prevent bone loss, deep cleaning should be performed.” Elson adds that there are also connections between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in other parts of the body like the heart and lungs.
Deep teeth cleanings are meant to treat periodontal or gum disease; a deep teeth cleaning is often advised for people who haven't had regular dental cleaning appointments for a while but it may be recommended for anyone who has gum disease or periodontal issues.
When people ask us this question, we always respond that yes, we recommend that you brush, floss and use mouthwash before you leave to come to your dental appointment.
You will be awake throughout the process, and while you'll feel some pressure and movement in your mouth as we work, you won't feel any pain. There are two steps to deep cleaning. Your dentist will first scale your teeth with a hand instrument, such as a periodontal scaler or curette, or an ultrasonic tool.
Only about a quarter to half of the patient's mouth is deep cleaned during a session. Most patients will have to come back for at least one additional session to have all of their teeth deep cleaned.