Can Teeth Fall Out After Deep Teeth Cleaning?
A deep cleaning is a common dental procedure designed to improve gum health. The goal of the procedure is to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. This is especially important for patients with gum disease because deep cleaning can prevent further complications, such as tooth loss. However, after the procedure, many patients wonder if their teeth could loosen or even fall out. While it’s understandable to have concerns, the answer is typically more nuanced. Read on to explore the relationship between deep cleaning and tooth loss, and why your teeth are unlikely to fall out afterward.
What happens during a deep teeth cleaning?
Deep teeth cleanings are more invasive than general dental cleanings. During a deep teeth cleaning, the dentist will numb the area to be worked on and will use specialized tools to get beneath the gumline and remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup that has accumulated there.
Why might cause teeth to feel loose after a deep cleaning?
The process of deep cleaning is more invasive and can expose areas of the teeth that may have already been weakened by gum disease. Sometimes after a deep cleaning, people notice their teeth feel looser than before. This can happen for a few reasons.
- The cleaning may have made the damage from gum disease more noticeable. This is especially true if the gum disease has already caused significant damage to the bone and tissue that support the teeth. The procedure may expose issues that were already there but unnoticeable.
- The cleaning has reduced gum swelling compared to before the cleaning. Before the cleaning, swollen gums may have been holding the teeth tightly in place. The cleaning will reduce inflammation in the gums and as the swelling subsides, the teeth might feel slightly looser. This is normally temporary however while the mouth adjusts to the new normal after the cleaning.
- The cleaning may have removed the plaque and tartar buildup, which were acting like a false support for teeth. The removal of the buildup may make the teeth feel less stable initially without the supports the mouth had grown accustomed to. This is a necessary step for long-term gum healing, however because that much plaque and tartar buildup is not good for the mouth.
Can Teeth Fall Out After Deep Cleaning?
It is uncommon for teeth to fall out after a deep cleaning. Proper after-care will help to aid the healing process which will help the gums heal and the teeth remain stable. Following the procedure be sure to brush gently, use any prescribed mouthwash, stick to a soft diet for the first few days, avoid smoking.
In rare cases, if teeth were already severely damaged due to advanced periodontal disease or significant bone loss, there is a risk that they may loosen or fall out over time. It is important to note that the deep cleaning did not cause this to happen though. It would have happened regardless of whether a deep cleaning was performed because of the damage from the gum disease.
What’s my next steps?
Speak with your dentist today if you are concerned about tooth loss following a deep cleaning. They will be able to assess your mouth and let you know of any risks you may face following the procedure.