Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep Cleaning
After a patient receives a diagnosis for gum disease, a deep cleaning is commonly recommended for treatment. Another term used for a deep cleaning is also scaling and root planing. The procedure is an effective and simple solution for the restoration of damaged gums. Many patients are unfamiliar with the procedure or may not be aware that it is often used to treat gum disease. Patients are also commonly curious regarding what to expect and how the gums will heal after a deep cleaning. A summary of the deep cleaning procedure and common questions regarding the healing process are provided below.
Gum Disease
Gum disease impacts close to half of all adults and is incredibly common. Gum or periodontal disease means there is an infection in the gums. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and occurs when plaque causing bacteria accumulates around the gums. Common signs of gingivitis include gums which bleed easily, inflammation of the gums, and chronically bad breath or halitosis.
Untreated gingivitis can progress over time and turn into the more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. This advanced form of gum disease takes place when there is a collection of plaque and tartar below the gumline. It can affect the bones and tissues which support the teeth and hold them securely in place. If periodontitis is not treated in a timely manner, it can cause serious issues including the loss of bone, teeth which become wiggle, and the loss of teeth in severe cases.
Deep Cleaning
A summary of the deep cleaning procedure is outlined below. The outline also includes a summary of how a deep cleaning is effective in treating gum disease.
- Scaling - During the initial step of the deep cleaning, the dental professional uses handheld or ultrasonic tools and removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. Scaling is completed above and below the gumline, eliminating inflammation and damaged tissue. The gums begin healing immediately after treatment.
- Root Planing - Once the scaling is completed, the periodontist smooths out the root’s surfaces. A smooth root surface makes it more challenging for bacteria to accumulate and helps prevent gum disease from returning. During the healing process after root planing, the gums reattach to the teeth.
Multiple visits may be required for treatment, depending on the severity and progression of the patient’s gum disease. The dental professional will typically use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area which helps ensure patients remain comfortable.
Post-procedure Care
The patient may receive a prescription for an antimicrobial rinse or antibiotics after the procedure to ensure that all infection is eliminated. Patients can typically use an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce swelling and manage any post-procedure discomfort. Patients should focus on eating a soft diet during their recovery. Hard, crunchy, hot, and spicy foods should slo be avoided.
Healing of the Gums
It is normal for patients to experience some slight discomfort for one or two days after a deep cleaning. It is also common for the gums to be sensitive for a week or so. Patients must be extremely careful with brushing and flossing as the gum tissue is highly sensitive during the healing process. It can take 4-6 weeks for the gums to fully recover.
Call the office today to schedule an appointment for a deep cleaning. During the initial consultation, the team can answer any questions you have regarding the procedure and the expected recovery.