Can Teeth Fall Out After Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Gum health is a very important part of a person’s overall oral health. Sometimes, plaque and tartar can build up behind the gums in places where regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can’t’ reach. If left untreated, this buildup can continue to grow, eventually leading to a bacterial infection known as gum disease, which can eventually cause numerous health issues including loss of teeth. Deep cleanings are common dental procedures designed to remove the plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. If you need a deep cleaning, you may be wondering about the procedure and how it will affect your teeth, including if they can fall out. Read on to learn more about the relationship between deep cleaning and tooth loss.

The Deep Cleaning Procedure

Deep teeth cleanings utilize local anesthesia to numb the area needing to be cleaned. This is because deep teeth cleanings are more invasive than general dental cleanings and the dentist will need to access areas behind the gums that would be painful if done without anesthesia. During the cleaning the dentist will use specialized tools to get beneath the gumline and remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup that has accumulated there.

The Impact of Deep Cleaning on Teeth

Deep cleanings are more invasive than regular cleanings. As such, they can expose areas of the teeth that may have already been weakened by gum disease. Some people do notice that their teeth feel looser than they did prior to the deep cleaning. There are a few reasons that this can happen. The most common reason is that the cleaning may have made the damage from gum disease more apparent, especially in cases where the gum disease had already caused significant damage to the support structures of the teeth. Another common reason is that the cleaning reduced gum swelling. Ultimately, this is a positive outcome from the cleaning, because reducing inflammation is a goal. Before the cleaning, swollen gums may have been holding the teeth tightly in place and the reduction in inflammation may cause them to feel looser in the mouth. Normally this is temporary, and the gums and teeth will eventually adjust to the new normal after the cleaning. Similarly, before the cleaning, the buildup of plaque and tartar may have been providing a false support for the teeth. The removal of the buildup may make the teeth feel less stable initially. Ultimately, this is a necessary step for long-term gum healing, however.

Tooth Loss Following a Deep Cleaning

Tooth loss following a deep cleaning is uncommon. If you follow the post procedure guidance of your dentist, you will help to aid the healing process. This will help the gums heal and the teeth remain stable following the procedure.

There is a slight risk that a person’s teeth may loosen or fall out after the deep cleaning. This is rare, however. This happen if teeth were already severely damaged due to advanced periodontal disease or significant bone loss. The tooth loss was not caused by the deep cleaning itself in other words. It would have happened regardless of whether a deep cleaning was performed because of the damage from the gum disease.

The Bottom Line

If you are concerned about tooth loss following your deep cleaning, speak with your dentist today. They will be able to assess your overall oral health and determine any risks you might have for tooth loss following the procedure.

Gums Healing After Deep Cleaning