Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?
Deep teeth cleaning is a routine dental procedure performed on millions of people every year. For most people, regular dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene keep their smiles healthy, but for some people, despite their best efforts, plaque and tartar sneak below the gumline and build. When this happens, deep teeth cleaning become necessary. Deep teeth cleanings are specialized dental procedures that target the buildup of plaque and tartar below the gumline where regular brushing and dental cleanings can’t get to. The procedure is also known as scaling and root planing. The goal of this procedure is to stop gum disease and restore a person’s gums to better health. If you’ve been told you need a deep teeth cleaning, you may have some questions about what to expect, including if will be painful. Read on to learn more about the procedure.
What is a deep teeth cleaning and why is it necessary?
Deep teeth cleanings are performed by dentists to remove tartar and plaque buildup under the gumline. The procedure ultimately reduces gum inflammation and restores gum health. Plaque and tartar buildup can generally be handled by regular dental check-ups with routine cleanings. Sometimes, though, a deeper cleaning is necessary to reach places regular cleanings can’t get to. When plaque and tartar buildup excessively it can lead to inflammation and gum disease, especially when the buildup is beneath gums and on the roots of the teeth. Over time, this buildup leads to gum disease, which can lead to many significant health issues including tooth loss, if left untreated.
A deep teeth cleaning procedure usually lasts 1-2 hours. The dentist begins by administering a local anesthesia, which numbs the areas to be cleaned. The dentist will use specialized tools to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth, roots, and beneath the gum line. Then the dentist will perform root planing to smooth out the roots. This works to eliminate spots where bacteria may still be hiding. The procedure ends with an antibacterial rinse being administered below the gum line.
Is deep teeth cleaning painful?
Deep teeth cleanings are more invasive than a general cleaning and this can cause some discomfort or pain in the areas being cleaned. The procedure itself should be painless because the dentist will administer a local anesthesia to numb the area. Despite being painless, it is likely that you’ll feel pressure and movement during the procedure.
After the procedure, soreness, tenderness, or sensitivity in your gums and teeth is common. This can make it feel like the deep cleaning was somewhat painful. This discomfort usually lasts for a few days as your gums heal and adjust to the cleaning. The discomfort can generally be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers but in some cases your dentist may prescribe medication to help manage any lingering discomfort.
Your dentist will also provide you with aftercare instructions. These instructions are important to follow. These will likely include using a soft-bristle toothbrush and avoiding certain foods. This care will aid in your recovery and keep you feeling comfortable following the cleaning.
What does this mean for me?
If you need a deep teeth cleaning, speak with your dentist today. They will be able to tell you their specific approach and how they will manage discomfort you will feel.