Gum health is very important to everyone’s overall oral health. Even with good habits like brushing and flossing, tartar and plaque can build up below the gumline though. This hidden buildup can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is a condition capable of causing tooth loss if left untreated. Dentists commonly recommend deep teeth cleanings to address this buildup if it is posing risk of developing gum disease or has already started it. Some people wonder if the procedure itself might lead to tooth loss. The good news is that teeth falling out directly from a deep cleaning is uncommon. However, understanding why your teeth might feel different afterward is essential. If you’re in need of a deep cleaning or just had one and want to know more about what happens to your teeth after, read on.
What Happens During a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath your gums in areas regular cleanings can't easily reach. Because it targets these deeper spaces, the procedure is more invasive. Dentists typically use local anesthesia to numb your gums to keep you comfortable. Specialized tools help remove the buildup, allowing gums to heal and potentially reversing the early stages of gum disease.
Why Teeth Might Feel Loose Afterward?
It's normal for teeth to feel slightly looser right after a deep cleaning. There are a few reasons for this temporary feeling:
- First, deep cleaning reduces swelling and inflammation. Before the procedure, inflamed gums may tightly grip the teeth, making them feel secure. When this swelling decreases, the gums relax, causing teeth to feel temporarily loose. This adjustment is typically brief and beneficial since reducing inflammation is important for gum health.
- Second, the cleaning process removes hardened plaque and tartar, which might have acted as a false support, holding teeth more firmly in place. Removing this buildup initially leaves teeth feeling less secure, but this is necessary for the gums and bones beneath to begin healing properly.
- Third, deep cleaning can reveal damage already caused by gum disease. Sometimes, the procedure exposes areas weakened by previous infection or bone loss, making tooth looseness more noticeable. This doesn't mean the cleaning caused the issue though. It just uncovered a problem already present but previously hidden.
Can Teeth Actually Fall Out After Deep Cleaning?
The chances of teeth falling out following deep cleaning are rare. If tooth loss does occur, it usually is because of severe gum disease or bone deterioration that existed before the procedure. Deep cleaning itself doesn't cause tooth loss. Instead, it helps create an environment where teeth and gums can heal and strengthen.
To reduce risks of tooth loss and support recovery after deep cleaning, proper care is essential. Gently brushing and flossing, using recommended mouthwashes, avoiding smoking, and eating soft foods initially will aid healing and stabilize teeth. Regular follow-ups with your dentist can also help manage any underlying gum disease effectively.
When Should You Talk to Your Dentist?
If you have concerns about teeth feeling loose after your deep cleaning, it's important to communicate with your dentist. They can assess your situation, monitor your healing process, and offer personalized advice or treatment adjustments. While the immediate sensation of loose teeth after deep cleaning can be alarming, understanding that this is usually temporary can provide reassurance as you recover.