If your dentist recommends deep teeth cleaning, you might feel a little uneasy. Many patients who need a deep teeth cleaning naturally wonder if the procedure will hurt or how uncomfortable it might be. Deep teeth cleanings are common procedures performed on millions of people every year. They are designed to protect your teeth and gums from gum disease and are essential for some people’s oral health. Knowing what to expect can help ease some of the anxiety you might have. If you are in of a deep cleaning and have questions, read on to learn more about them.
What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more involved dental procedure than a regular dental cleaning. Deep teeth cleanings involve removing tartar and plaque that have built up below the gum line. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings usually keep gums healthy, but sometimes buildup occurs beneath the gums where toothbrushes can’t reach. If left untreated, this buildup can cause gum disease, gum recession, or even tooth loss.
During scaling, the dentist or hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Root planing is the next step, where the dentist smooths out the tooth’s root surfaces. This smoothing helps your gums heal and reattach firmly to your teeth, preventing future plaque buildup.
Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Hurt?
For most people, deep teeth cleaning involves minimal discomfort. Before the procedure, dentists numb the area with a local anesthetic. This numbing medicine ensures you stay comfortable throughout the cleaning, and it allows the dentist to get deeper beneath the gumline where plaque and tartar can hide. While you might feel pressure or gentle scraping, the anesthetic prevents pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, as the numbness wears off, it is common to have some soreness. Gums can be sensitive after deep cleaning, especially if there was extensive buildup beneath the gums. This sensitivity or mild soreness is common and usually temporary. Some patients experience minor swelling or slight bleeding when brushing or flossing after the procedure. These symptoms are typically mild and manageable. Overall, most people recover quickly and easily from a deep cleaning.
Factors That Impact Discomfort
Several things influence how uncomfortable deep cleaning might feel. If you have sensitive gums or severe gum disease, you might experience more discomfort during and immediately after the cleaning. The more extensive the buildup of plaque and tartar, the longer and potentially more uncomfortable the cleaning could be.
How to Manage Any Discomfort Afterward
After a deep teeth cleaning, any discomfort or sensitivity can usually be controlled by simple measures. Dentists commonly recommend:
- Taking over-the counter pain relievers.
- Eating softer foods for a few days after the cleaning.
- Rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water to soothe gums.
- Using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
What Does This Mean for Me?
Most people recover quickly after deep teeth cleaning and experience improvements in gum health almost immediately. While the idea of a deep cleaning can seem daunting, the actual experience is typically straightforward with minimal discomfort, especially with your dentist’s support.