The disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth include nerve damage and potential infections if you have a compromised immune system. The cleaning might cause pain, and sensitivity in the treatment doesn't guarantee reattachment of your gums to the teeth. The cleaning might even cause further gum recession.
If your visit to the dentist reveals significant pockets- those 4mm or greater, then you are at risk for (or in the stages of), periodontal disease. This makes you a candidate for the therapy (a deep teeth cleaning) and it is highly recommended if you want to stop and prevent the progression of the disease.
Minor bleeding and swelling may occur, but this should subside after a few days. Other risks include issues with gum reattachment, gum recession, or nerve damage. These side effects are rare, and most patients have no issues after their treatment. The most common side effect is pain and sensitivity after the procedure.
The removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth near, along with, and below the line of your gums can cause soreness in your gums. That gum soreness is common after a deep cleaning, but temporary and can be resolved by taking over-the-counter pain medications and rinsing with saltwater. Bleeding gums.
Immediately after a deep cleaning you might have some discomfort and aching. After your mouth has had some time to heal you should notice some of the following improvements: Decreased bleeding when brushing and flossing. Better smelling breath.
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.
The American Dental Association recommends getting teeth cleaning at least two times per year, but deep cleanings are typically performed as needed. For example, a person who has not had their teeth cleaned by a dentist in years might be advised to get a deep cleaning.
So, How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take? The process for a deep teeth cleaning usually requires more than one visit. On average, you can assume that your dentist or highly skilled hygienist will be able to clean ¼ of your mouth in about 45-60 minutes or so, depending on the level of plaque and hardened calculus buildup.
For some, the “weird” feeling may be a sense of cleanliness by not having a film of plaque on their teeth. For others, they may experience temporary tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity most often occurs after a dentist performs a deep cleaning which involves more contact with a patient's gums than regular cleaning.
Deep cleaning is not necessary for every patient. However, for patients with gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) or a more serious case of gum disease, deep cleaning may be required to prevent tooth loss and stop further damage.
It is highly unlikely for teeth to fall out after a deep cleaning. In fact, deep cleanings improve dental and overall oral health. When inflammation from bacteria in the gum line is left untreated, it may progress into periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum disease.
While a deep cleaning will remove the bacteria and tartar below the gums where you are unable to reach, placing localized antibiotics in these areas enhances healing. A deep cleaning alone cannot fight off the bacteria that can work its way back down into these deeper areas as the gums are healing.
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.
Can deep cleanings be done in one visit? Yes, but we do not recommend it. Deep cleaning of the entire mouth in one visit is usually discouraged for three reasons. Anesthetic – If local anesthetic is used to make the procedure painless, treating the entire mouth would require anesthesia of the entire mouth.
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.
Following a deep cleaning, your teeth may be more sensitive than usual. This can last for up to several weeks. You may also experience some slight swelling or bruising. Icing the area can help with this, but please notify us if you experience any major swelling.
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.
You will be awake throughout the process, and while you'll feel some pressure and movement in your mouth as we work, you won't feel any pain. There are two steps to deep cleaning. Your dentist will first scale your teeth with a hand instrument, such as a periodontal scaler or curette, or an ultrasonic tool.
While regular cleaning focuses more on the gum line to scale and polish the teeth' outer surface, deep cleaning teeth involves removing bacteria colonies and tartar from the roots of the teeth.
When people ask us this question, we always respond that yes, we recommend that you brush, floss and use mouthwash before you leave to come to your dental appointment.
CARE OF YOUR MOUTH:
Start brushing, flossing, and continue your prescribed oral hygiene regime immediately. You may have to GO EASY at first, but make every effort to keep your mouth plaque-free. We recommend rinsing your mouth several times on the day of treatment, with warm salt water (¼ tsp salt to glass of water).
Some patients may notice that their gum recession has not improved after treatment. In fact, once the swelling associated with gum disease goes away, the gums could appear to be receding even more than before the deep cleaning. This is normal for some people.
Avoiding coffee for hours after your dental cleaning is critical because the dark dyes in coffee can stain your teeth. The dark components can make their way through the enamel in your teeth. The compounds can eventually cause the teeth to become dark and unappealing.