Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?
Deep teeth cleanings are common dental procedures performed to clear away bacteria, plaque, and tartar from beneath the gum lines. Millions of people every year receive deep cleanings from their dentists to maintain their oral health and stop or slow the spread of gum disease. Regular dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene keep most people’s smiles healthy. For some people, despite their best efforts however, plaque and tartar build below the gumline. When this happens, pockets can begin to form between the gums and teeth and bacteria eventually builds in these pockets. In these cases, deep teeth cleaning becomes necessary. If you’ve been told you need a deep teeth cleaning, you may be wondering if it will be painful. Read on to learn more about the procedure.
Why Do I Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning and What Happens During It?
The goal of a deep teeth cleaning is to remove tartar and plaque buildup under the gumline where regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can’t reach. Ultimately, the procedure aims to reduce gum inflammation and restore gum health. In general, plaque and tartar buildup can be handled by regular dental check-ups with routine cleanings. These often work to prevent the buildup over time. If plaque and tartar buildup excessively it can lead to inflammation and ultimately gum disease. This is especially true when the buildup is beneath gums and on the roots of the teeth. If left untreated, this buildup can cause a bacterial infection in the tissues around the teeth, which can lead to devasting oral health consequences.
Deep teeth cleanings usually take 1-2 hours. The procedure starts with a local anesthesia, which numbs the areas to be cleaned. The dentist uses specialized tools to scrape and remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth, roots, and beneath the gum line. Then the dentist will smooth out the roots to prevent future buildup.
Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?
Deep cleanings can cause some discomfort or pain in the areas being cleaned. This is because the procedure is more invasive than a regular cleaning. The procedure itself is painless because the dentist uses the local anesthesia which numbs the area. Even though it is painless, it is normal to feel pressure and movement during the procedure.
Following the procedure, the gums tend to be sore, tender, and sensitive. This discomfort usually goes away in a few days as the gums heal and adjust to the cleaning. The symptoms can often be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, the dentist may prescribe medication to help manage any discomfort that lingers.
Following the dentist’s after care guidance will also help to ensure that the gums heal quickly, and the discomfort remains minimal. This guidance will likely include using a soft-bristle toothbrush and avoiding certain foods.
What Is the Bottom Line?
The bottom line is that a deep cleaning is a more invasive procedure that can cause some discomfort. Despite the mild discomfort following the procedure, you should know that the benefits are worth it. If you are concerned about your own tolerance for pain or have specific questions, speak with your dentist today.