Can Teeth Fall Out After Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Professional Cleaning
During a regular visit to the dentist, patients receive an examination and professional cleaning. During the professional cleaning, plaque and tartar is removed from the teeth. A professional cleaning is effective in removing hardened tartar and cleaning areas which are hard to reach at home. The surface of the teeth is then polished. Another term for a professional cleaning is a scale and polish.
Deep Cleaning
The professional cleaning is typically effective in removing stubborn plaque and tartar from the teeth. In cases when patients have a significant amount of tartar buildup on their teeth, the patient may require a more advanced treatment called a deep cleaning. A deep cleaning differs from a professional cleaning because the dental professional removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
Periodontal Disease
If a patient has a moderate or severe case of gum disease, dental professionals often suggest they receive a deep teeth cleaning. The treatment works by removing tartar from above and below the gumline. A local anesthetic is used to ensure patients are comfortable and do not experience pain. After a deep cleaning, it is normal for the gums to be sensitive and sore.
Scaling and root planing is another term used to describe deep teeth cleaning. Gum disease allows for the accumulation of tartar in the pockets located between the teeth and gums. As gum disease progresses, it is possible for the tartar to accumulate on the roots. Untreated gum disease can cause serious issues such as receding gums, infection, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
Results
The deep cleaning effectively removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Gum disease causes the formation of large pockets which quickly collect plaque and tartar. A deep cleaning aids in reducing the size of these pockets, allowing for the gums to reattach to the teeth. A summary of the deep cleaning procedure is outlined below.
Diagnosis
Patients are first diagnosed with gum disease. A periodontal probe is used to measure the space between the teeth and gums. If this pocket is greater than 3 mm, it indicates the patient has gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease can include bleeding or swollen gums, chronically bad breath, inflammation, and loose or shifting teeth. X-rays are commonly used to determine if there is any damage to the bone.
Treatment
A deep teeth cleaning is often used for mild to moderate cases of gum disease. Patients may require two or more appointments to complete the treatment as it is performed in one quadrant or half of the mouth at a time. This ensures the entire mouth is not numb at once, which can cause problems. The treatment area is then numbed with a local anesthetic prior to the scaling and root planing.
Additional Appointments
The other side of the mouth or additional quadrant will be treated during the next appointment. The dental professional can also evaluate how the mouth is healing during this time. Appointments typically take about an hour. Treatment may take longer if the gum disease is more severe. The dental professional will schedule additional appointments as needed to ensure all plaque and tartar is removed.
A follow-up appointment is scheduled for a few weeks after treatment to ensure the mouth is healing properly and the periodontal pockets are getting smaller.
Infection
In cases of severe infection, the dental professional may place an antibiotic gel into the periodontal pockets. Antibiotics may also be prescribed before and/or after treatment to ensure all infection is eliminated. It is also possible to use a prescription mouthwash for the treatment.
Loss of Teeth
After a deep cleaning, it is not normal for the teeth to fall out. The patient may think their teeth are loose which is actually due to the removal of tartar. While the teeth may feel loose for a short time, the gums actually reattach to the teeth and the pockets are eliminated as the mouth heals.
Patients who suspect they have gum disease should contact the office for a consultation. The team can help determine if you are a good candidate for a deep cleaning and discuss any questions or concerns you have regarding treatment.