A tooth that is free of tartar has a better chance of allowing the gum tissues to heal and reattach to it. As a result, some deep gum pockets can be reduced after a deep cleaning.
While any gum loss experienced due to gum disease will not grow back, the majority of patients can expect their gums to reattach after undergoing a deep cleaning. This is because all of the harmful bacteria has been removed, allowing the gums to once again be healthy.
On average, it takes about 5 – 7 days for your gums to heal after deep cleaning. During this period, it's possible to experience minor gum soreness, swelling, and tooth sensitivity.
Within a week the gums will start to heal and reattach to the roots of the teeth. The initial discomfort should be gone. Full recovery and reattachment can take up to 6 or 8 weeks, but patients are usually back to normal eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing within the first week.
In most cases, the damage will not be completely reversible, but if you follow the treatment and prevention plan laid out by your dentist, you should be able to see significant improvement. Most people are able to reclaim a 4mm to 5mm pocket depth with proper treatment and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
It was concluded that substantial reduction in pocket depth occurs within 3 weeks after a single episode of root planing owing to initial gingival recession and secondary gain in clinical attachment.
During tooth cleaning procedure the dentist removes these deposits and the spaces become noticeable. Healing after scaling takes up to 4-6weeks. Hence, scaling or tooth cleaning does not create additional space in the teeth but just cleans and clears already existing spaces in the teeth.
There are a few potential disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth. The most common one is some pain and sensitivity after the procedure. You're also not guaranteed to have your gums reattach to your teeth following the procedure. In rare cases, there's a risk of nerve damage.
Those who do not follow proper dental care are especially prone to periodontal disease or gum disease. In the early stages, gum disease can be successfully reversed with professional deep cleaning treatments.
What Treatments Are Available to Treat Periodontal Pockets? Scaling and root planing helps to deep clean in and around the periodontal pockets. This procedure removes the plaque and bacteria on the tooth and underneath the gum line. Scaling and root planing helps to shrink periodontal pockets and can heal gum tissue.
Some people may find that their teeth feel looser after having the treatment. This is because removing the tartar from the pockets between the gums and teeth creates a gap between the two, which can cause the teeth to feel loose. Over time, the gums should reattach to the teeth, making the teeth feel more secure.
Deep teeth cleaning can help reduce the size of the pockets and slow or halt the progression of gingivitis gum disease.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, and suffer from bone loss, inflammation, and/or tartar has accumulated beneath the gumline, then the hygienist will need to clean 'deeper' below the gumline, and this is often known as a dental deep cleaning.
The goals of this nonsurgical gum disease treatment are to prevent further destruction of the jawbone, heal infected gum tissues (or active infection), and reduce the depths of periodontal pockets. Scaling and root planing is often deemed effective if these goals are met, and periodontal health is maintained.
The American Dental Association recommends you see your dentist at least once a year for deep cleaning. If you have a history of gum disease, you should get your teeth cleaned twice a year to prevent infections or complications.
A deep dental cleaning is necessary when there is a significant amount of bacteria and tartar buildup on the surfaces of your teeth. Once pockets form from gum disease, the bacteria and tartar begin to fill these pockets. If not removed, periodontal disease and eventually tooth loss can take place.
With gum disease, you won't keep your teeth for long. In fact, unlike tooth decay which impacts your smile one tooth at a time, periodontitis can cause you to lose multiple, if not all, teeth at once. Gum disease starts small as a mild form called gingivitis.
Your gums and teeth will be sensitive immediately following your deep cleaning. Watch what you eat and avoid food or drink that may cause irritation. Hot or cold foods, hard or sharp foods, and anything that requires excessive chewing should be avoided for around 48 hours.
After a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, the inflammation improves and gums get healthier. As the inflammation decreases, gaps between teeth, including black triangles, might become noticeable.
After removal of plaque and tartar buildup, it is common to have spaced between your teeth and gum tissue. Some spaces may appear as “black triangles” near the gum area, whereas other spaces may separate the teeth. Flossing and brushing regularly will keep the spaces from building up with plaque and tartar.
Because damage to your gum tissue is irreversible, if your pocket depths start to increase the damage will be done. The goal is to stop periodontitis as soon as possible.
Salt has healing properties that can treat and heal inflamed or swollen gums caused by gum disease. Even though salt water is extremely effective in helping to treat gum disease, salt water cannot cure gum disease.