Gum disease can be avoided and combated with good dental hygiene.
Therefore, it’s crucial to brush and floss frequently, as well as visit the dentist for regular cleanings twice a year.
But occasionally, a dentist will advise having your teeth thoroughly cleaned.
Gums that are leaking, receding, or have become loose are indications that you may need a deep cleaning.
A deep cleaning, also known as periodontal scaling or root planing, presents hazards despite being routine.
What you need to know about deep cleaning your teeth, including its drawbacks, is provided here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ It’s critical to comprehend any potential issues or side effects because deep cleanings do carry some danger.
✅ Thorough teeth cleaning aids in the elimination of foul breath and encourages the recovery of gum disease.
✅ You should anticipate some sensitivity and edema following the treatment, despite the fact that it is typical and safe.
✅ Consult your dentist if swelling, bleeding, or pain persists for more than a week following your surgery.
What is a deep cleaning of the teeth?
By removing plaque and tartar that have accumulated on your teeth, a deep teeth cleaning can reduce gum inflammation and enhance gum health. A sticky coating known as plaque develops on teeth. It forms when saliva and food particles combine and contain microorganisms. Plaque, which builds up on teeth every day, can be removed by brushing your teeth.
However, brushing alone won’t get rid of all the plaque between your teeth. Tartar is created when leftover plaque calcifies or hardens. Gum disease can be brought on by plaque or tartar buildup. This includes gingivitis, a gum condition characterized by inflammation. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis if neglected. The bone that supports the teeth is destroyed by this dangerous infection.
Advantages of deep cleaning
Stopping gum disease, combating bad breath, protecting the teeth’s roots, promoting healthy gums, and preventing tooth loss are all benefits.
Drawbacks to deep cleaning
Minor discomfort and sensitivity, the potential for gum recession, the danger of infection following the treatment, and, in extremely rare circumstances, the risk of nerve injury
What benefits can deep cleaning your teeth offer?
If gum disease causes your gums to move away from your teeth, leaving a space more than 5 millimeters (mm) deep, you could need a deep cleaning. The distance between your gums and teeth may continue to grow if gum disease gets worse. This may weaken the bones that hold your teeth in place, leading to missing or loose teeth.
Benefits of deep cleaning, if your dentist suggests one, include, halting the progression of gum disease, brushing your teeth above and below the gum line, treating an existing infection, promoting healing, eradicating bad breath brought on by gum disease, and safeguarding the tooth roots.
What drawbacks are there to deep cleaning your teeth?
Deep cleaning poses hazards even though it can alleviate gum disease. Deep cleaning teeth has a number of drawbacks, including the potential for nerve damage, uncertainty about whether your gums will reattach to your teeth, and the potential for gum recession, infection, discomfort, and sensitivity.
The most frequent adverse effects include discomfort and sensitivity. Deep cleaning risks are typically minor and only last for around 5 to 7 days, though in extreme circumstances they may last for many weeks.
What does a thorough dental cleaning entail?
Deep cleanings of the teeth are distinct from regular cleanings. Plaque and tartar are removed from above the gumline with routine cleaning. On the other hand, deep cleaning eliminates plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
As a result of gum disease, there may be a gap between your teeth and gums where tartar and plaque can accumulate. This accumulation is eliminated by cleaning below the gumline. Gum scaling and root planing are part of a thorough cleaning.
Gum scaling and root planing are typically performed over the course of two or more sessions of deep cleaning. It may take one to two hours for each visit.
In the course of the tooth scaling visit, your dentist will remove tartar and plaque from below the gum line. Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth’s roots during the root planing procedure. Minimizing the distance between your teeth and gums, aids in the reattachment of your gums to your teeth.
You could require antibiotics.
You may need to take an antibiotic for a few days if your immune system is weak. This is due to the possibility of infection following the surgery. Furthermore, thorough dental cleanings can cause the release of microorganisms into the bloodstream.
Does thorough cleaning hurt?
Because teeth scaling and root planing can be uncomfortable, your gums will be numbed with a topical or local anesthetic. After your therapy, you should anticipate some sensitivity. You can also experience some little bleeding and swollen gums.
How to lessen sensitivity afterward.
After your treatment, consuming soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes will help lessen sensitivity. Additionally, stay away from overly hot or cold foods and beverages. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as gargling with warm salt water, are examples of over-the-counter drugs that can be used to treat pain and inflammation.
Regular tooth brushing and flossing aid in the healing process and lessen gum inflammation overall. At least twice daily, clean your teeth with a gentle brush, and floss at least once.
How much does a thorough dental cleaning run?
The price of a deep cleaning varies according to how bad the gum disease or swelling is. Although some people may require up to four visits to completely eliminate tartar and plaque, you’ll probably only need two. Your mouth is examined in quadrants during these cleanings. Depending on where you live or how much treatment you require, you can pay $100 or more per quadrant.
Most dental insurance policies will cover deep cleanings if you have one.