Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful
Periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease that can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. If you experience symptoms of early gum disease such as bleeding when flossing and brushing or tender, swollen gum tissue, you may be developing gingivitis. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gum tissue and if you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, the first step in restoring your mouth to a healthy state is with a deep cleaning. This is a non-surgical cleaning performed by either your dentist or your dental hygienist, usually over the span of two or more appointments.
How is a deep cleaning performed?
Left untreated, periodontal disease can have a negative impact on the overall health of your mouth. Gum recession may require a gum graft to restore the tissue and if it progresses to bone deterioration, you may require a bone graft. A deep cleaning can greatly reduce gum irritation and recession and can help you avoid costly restorative procedures.
During a deep cleaning, you will be given a local anesthetic which is administered via injection to the area being treated. This allows the hygienist to scale deep below the gum line into each gum pocket to eradicate any buildup and infection and prevents you from feeling any pain during the procedure. Your hygienist will use a combination of manual instruments and ultrasonic instruments to make sure everything is clean and clear!
The manual instruments are dental scalers and excavators that allow them to remove plaque buildup and bacteria from below the gum line. It gives them the ability to feel the surface of your teeth to make sure that everything is smooth and nothing is left behind. The ultrasonic instrument is a tool that uses a scaler tip that vibrates and sprays water. The vibrations help loosen plaque and the water spray flushes everything out of the gum pockets.
Is a deep cleaning painful?
You should not feel any pain during the procedure itself since you will be anesthetized, but immediately following your deep cleaning, you may have some soreness. Most providers will only do half of your mouth at a time so that your entire mouth is not numb and you can have a little time to recuperate between treatments.
After your treatment is complete, it is normal to experience some sensitivity and soreness. This should subside within a few days but it is important to be very gentle when brushing and flossing and to use an antibacterial mouthwash. You may also consider using a warm salt water rinse which will help keep everything clean and can be quite soothing to the gums! Your hygienist may put you on a more frequent cleaning schedule as opposed to the traditional two times a year. Patients with periodontal disease often need to have three or four cleanings per year to keep everything healthy and avoid more severe issues down the road.
What benefits can I expect after a deep cleaning?
The benefits of having a deep cleaning performed are numerous. Patients can expect to have a much more comfortable experience during home care since bleeding and pain upon brushing and flossing will likely clear up! Decreased sensitivity and improved breath are also a couple of benefits patients will notice.
If you have been diagnosed with early periodontal disease and your dentist has advised you to have a deep cleaning, the minor discomfort associated with the process is worth a lifetime of a healthy smile!