How Long Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Take
A deep cleaning is used to treat gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease can be treated and the ill effects reversed! If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to more advanced stages that may have negative impacts that cannot be reversed without more severe treatment such as a gum or bone graft. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss but if it is caught early, your dentist can either treat it or refer you to a periodontist for more specialized treatment.
How long does a deep cleaning dental treatment take?
A deep cleaning utilizes a local anesthetic which is administered in the area being treated to help minimize any discomfort you may feel. This treatment is often done over the course of multiple visits, typically one half of the mouth is treated at a time and a follow up appointment about six weeks later for a maintenance appointment at which time they will measure your healed gum pockets. A deep cleaning does not necessarily have to be done throughout your entire mouth, you may only need one quadrant or just a few teeth treated. Your dentist will discuss this with you before you schedule your appointments.
Once you are sufficiently numb, your hygienist will use metal manual scalers and an ultrasonic instrument to scrape and clean below the gumline where plaque and bacteria collect. If needed, a particularly deep pocket may have an antibiotic chip, arestin, placed to help clear the infection. One side of the mouth is done at a time so that your entire mouth is not numb after treatment. Once one side is complete, it is important to have the other side done in a timely manner to avoid reinfecting the cleaned side!
A few weeks after your deep cleaning, your dentist will want you to come back for a regular maintenance appointment at which a fine scaling may be done as well as measuring your healed gum pockets. If you need specialized treatment, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for laser therapy or a gum graft.
Oral Hygiene After Deep Cleaning
For a few days after your treatment, it is normal to experience a little swelling and light bleeding in the treated area. This, along with possible soreness and sensitivity, will subside after a few days. If your dentist prescribes an antibiotic mouthwash, make sure to use it as directed. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth may also be used to help reduce any sensitivity discomfort.
After you have completed treatment, it is vital that you improve your home care and maintain regular visits to your dental office for professional cleanings every three to four months. This increased cleaning frequency is a common practice to help patients at risk for periodontal disease maintain a healthy mouth. Failing to follow instructions could quickly bring you back to a compromised state and all of your hard work and money spent on treatment will have been for nothing.