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.
Most injuries and damage sustained are cuts and abrasions to the soft tissue, followed by a recession of the gums caused by harsh cleaning that has forced the gums away from the teeth.
Infection after dental cleaning
The process of dental cleaning can sometimes make your gums bleed slightly. Although it is rare, this can sometimes cause an infection to develop in the days after the procedure.
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.
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).
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. Over time, the gums should reattach to the teeth, making the teeth feel more secure.
The removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth near, along with, and below the line of your gums can cause soreness in your gums. That gum soreness is common after a deep cleaning, but temporary and can be resolved by taking over-the-counter pain medications and rinsing with saltwater. Bleeding gums.
While a deep cleaning will remove the bacteria and tartar below the gums where you are unable to reach, placing localized antibiotics in these areas enhances healing. A deep cleaning alone cannot fight off the bacteria that can work its way back down into these deeper areas as the gums are healing.
Although deep teeth cleanings are uncomfortable, you will likely not experience severe discomfort because you receive local anesthesia or topical anesthetic to numb your gums. However, you can expect some sensitivity to the procedure with swelling and minor bleeding.
A persistently high fever, dizziness, lightheadedness, a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion, and digestive problems are potential signs of sepsis and should be treated as a medical emergency.
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.
They recommend and request unnecessary procedures.
One of the biggest warning signs of a bad dentist is making you undergo procedures that you do not really. For example, if the dentist wants to remove your old fillings even though they are still intact.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This continuous fight or flight state takes its toll and by the time a dental appointment comes around the body is physically spent. Once the 'threat' that it had been preparing for is over, the chemical lights can be switched off, leaving energy levels at rock bottom and a person feeling knackered.
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 most common side effect is pain and sensitivity after the procedure.
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.
If all plaque and tartar have been fully removed, your gum health will gradually improve and your gums may naturally reattach to your teeth. However, practicing poor nutrition and poor oral hygiene following deep cleaning may prevent the gums from reattaching.
Bleeding: You may notice some blood clotting between your teeth for 24-48 hours following SRP, this is normal. You may rinse with warm water, salt water, brush or floss to remove. DO NOT however use fingernails, toothpicks etc.