What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Periodontal disease is a condition in the gums that can lead to gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss. A deep cleaning is a common first step in treating periodontal disease by clearing bacteria and infection so the gum tissue can heal. A deep cleaning does require local anesthetic but is considered non-surgical and is much less invasive than more extensive treatment options.
What happens during a deep teeth cleaning?
Patients that need to have their whole mouth addressed will typically receive treatment over the course of two or three longer visits, half of the mouth being treated at a time with a possible follow-up visit. If only a small area needs to be treated, that can usually be taken care of in one regular visit.
To begin, a local anesthetic is administered to the area being treated and then your hygienist will use a combination of manual and ultrasonic instruments to scale below the gum line. The numbing allows them to reach much further into the gum pockets to clear out any tartar and bacteria buildup while keeping you comfortable. This process is repeated on the other side of your mouth at a second visit.
Your second visit should take place as soon as possible after the first one to avoid reinfection of the clean side. Once both sides have been deep cleaned, you will likely need to come back 4 to 6 weeks later for a regular cleaning so your hygienist can fine-scale any areas that still need attention. Any particularly deep pockets that have not healed properly may have an antibiotic chip, called arestin, placed into the pocket to help the healing process.
After deep teeth cleaning
It is normal to experience some tenderness in the treated areas as well as swelling and light bleeding immediately after a deep cleaning. It should subside within a few days and over-the-counter pain medications can help manage any discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash to aid the healing process and may also advise that you use a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth while your gum tissue heals.
Untreated periodontal disease can lead to a number of dental issues, including tooth loss. It can also have a negative impact on your overall health so it is important to address the problem as soon as it is diagnosed. A deep cleaning is a common first step in treating gum disease but for those with severe damage, a periodontist may be necessary for evaluation and specialized treatment.
After a deep cleaning, it is important to improve oral care at home. A deep cleaning will not prevent periodontal disease in the future and some people are genetically predisposed to gum problems. These patients should take special care to maintain their oral health, including more frequent dental cleanings, up to four times a year. Even though two cleanings per year is the standard, some patients need extra attention to keep their mouth healthy!