What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
There is no better feeling than running your tongue over your shiny new teeth after a dental cleaning. While regular visits to the dentist and meticulous home oral hygiene are excellent ways to protect those pearly whites of yours, sometimes they require a more in-depth, specialized procedure. If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning for your teeth, you may have some questions about the process, the benefits, and what the aftercare will involve. With you and your oral health in mind, we’ve summarized what a deep teeth cleaning is and what to expect immediately afterward, as well as some aftercare tips.
First of all, why do you need a deep clean?
Dentists recommend deep cleanings to their patients for a variety of reasons, but the most common dental conditions that require them are:
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
Consider this procedure as an extra for your dental health. Leaving any of these symptoms untreated for too long can lead to more serious conditions like gum disease or tooth loss.
What does deep cleaning involve?
Deep cleanings differ from routine teeth cleanings in two main ways:
- While daily dental care practices and routine cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from above the gum line, deep cleanings also remove it from below the gum line.
- Deep cleanings may require multiple appointments
Why is there a possibility of additional sessions?
Deep cleaning typically involves two sub-processes, periodontal scaling and root planing.
Root planing
Periodontal scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root planing involves the removal of these same biofilms from the roots of the teeth. Both of these procedures work to do the following:
- Eliminate accumulated plaque and tartar
- Close the space between the teeth and gums
- Helping the gums reattach to the teeth
Because these processes may cause some discomfort, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic at the beginning of each appointment.
What are the effects of a deep teeth cleaning?
Because this procedure cleans below the gums, it has different effects than the average cleaning. Here’s what to expect immediately after a deep teeth cleaning:
- Sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- Minor bleeding
The most common post-procedure effects are mild discomfort and sensitivity. These can last five to seven days, and in some cases, several weeks. Patients can typically eat, drink, brush, and use interdental brushes as usual.
Post-therapy tips
Fortunately, there are many ways you can reduce post-procedure sensitivity and discomfort, getting you back to your beautiful smile in no time. It is recommended that you observe the following:
- Avoid Foods with Extreme Temperatures – Your teeth and gums will also feel sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Your mouth will thank you if you let your soup cool a few extra minutes before eating.
- Combat swelling and discomfort – You can combat swelling and discomfort by applying an ice pack to your cheeks and taking over-the-counter pain medications.
- Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush – Your mouth may be too sensitive to continue brushing with your typical toothbrush. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush slowly and carefully.
What are the benefits of deep teeth cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning has numerous benefits, the main one being the removal of plaque and tartar that have accumulated on and around the teeth; this can significantly reduce gum inflammation and improve your long-term oral health. Make an appointment with us today for an exam and to see if you need a deep cleaning!