Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?
Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is often recommended when pockets form between your gums and teeth or when signs of gum disease begin to develop. This procedure is more thorough than the surface-level cleaning done during routine dental visits. It reaches down beneath the gumline to remove built-up plaque and tartar. The result is restored health to your gums and prevention of further damage. You might be wondering just how it feels and if you should expect some pain from the treatment.
The name may sound intimidating, but most people generally tolerate deep cleaning well. That said, the level of comfort for you throughout that process will depend on what condition your gums are in, how sensitive your teeth may be, and also how advanced your gum disease is at the time of treatment.
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the dentist is going to deep clean before the dentist starts the procedure. Consider this pain prevention; this will prevent sharp pain, but you still might feel movement or pressure.
Once the anesthetic wears off, it is common to experience some mild soreness. Your gums might feel tender as you brush or eat after the visit. Some people notice their teeth feeling looser or more sensitive to temperature changes if a large amount of tartar was removed or the gums were inflamed before cleaning.
Usually, these effects are manageable and are short-lived. Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease any post-treatment discomfort effectively. For a few days, a desensitizing toothpaste or a saltwater rinse may also be suggested by your dentist. Your mouth begins to feel healthier, and any discomfort fades within a week in most cases.
Deep cleanings could be needed for advanced gum disease cases. Your dental provider might break up the deep cleaning into several appointments in order to address one part of your mouth at each visit.
Deep cleaning is not intended for regular use, and with routine oral hygiene and consistent dental appointments, you may not need to repeat this procedure. The deep cleaning treatment is designed to stabilize gum health to get your mouth to a manageable state where cleanings suffice.
Be sure to disclose any dental anxiety or heightened sensitivity you may have when discussing the treatment with the dentist. In order to make sure that the experience is comfortable for you, adjustments can be made. This might include numbing gels or stronger local anesthetics, or even sedation.
Deep teeth cleaning is not typically described as being painful. Instead, it may result in some temporary soreness. To address early to moderate gum disease, the procedure plays a key role in the prevention of more intrusive treatment later. Knowing what to expect can make the process feel more manageable and less daunting before you schedule your appointment.
If you have more questions about deep teeth cleaning or how it could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if deep cleaning can help you.