Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning
Gum disease affects many adult patients at some point in their life and can have a negative impact not only on oral health but overall health as well. Early stages of gum disease may be treated with a deep teeth cleaning which can effectively clear out infection and prevent further, irreversible damage. A deep cleaning is a non-surgical procedure that may be performed in your dentist's office, but not all offices have the equipment and will refer you to a periodontist.
What is the deep teeth cleaning procedure?
A deep cleaning typically takes place over two appointments, one side of the mouth being treated at each. It is ideal to have these two appointments as close together as possible to avoid the untreated side reinfecting the treated side. The reason two appointments are even necessary is because the gums are numbed for the procedure so with two appointments, only one half of your mouth is numb at a time.
After the side being treated is sufficiently numbed with a local anesthetic, your dental hygienist will use manual and ultrasonic instruments to scale below the gum line and on the root surfaces to clear out tartar and bacteria buildup. After both sides are completed, you will need to be seen for a follow up appointment 4 to 6 weeks later to check your healing progress and measure your gum pockets again.
Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning
With the tartar buildup removed, it is normal to experience minor discomfort and mobility in your teeth because the tartar was making them feel tight against the gum tissue. Your gum tissue will be able to heal closer to the teeth and stabilize them properly. Once everything is healed up, you should have a reduction in pocket depth and flossing should be painless. If your doctor does not see improvement at your follow-up appointment, they may refer you to a periodontist for specialized gum treatment.
Immediately following your deep cleaning, it is important to take care during your oral hygiene routine at home. Some patients find it beneficial to incorporate oral care products formulated for sensitive teeth and an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep everything clean and give your gums the best circumstances to heal. Additionally, gently rinse your mouth out with warm salt water to help clear food particles and debris from your healing gum pockets after eating.
Untreated Gum Disease
If you notice bleeding or tenderness when you floss and brush, it is important to bring it to your dentist’s attention as soon as possible. The sooner gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. Left untreated it can quickly progress to advance to periodontitis which has irreversible side effects such as gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss. The only way to treat these issues is with other procedures like gum or bone grafts and dental implants.
Patients that undergo a deep cleaning may be advised to get their professional dental cleanings 3 to 4 times a year to make sure that everything stays healthy, and infection does not return.
How Long Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Take?