Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning
Sensitive teeth and gums are to be expected after a dental cleaning treatment, especially if your dental hygienist has performed a deep cleaning. However, over time, this sensitivity will subside – and your teeth and gums will be healthier than ever! However, if your teeth or gums remain unusually sensitive for an extended period of time after professional cleaning, your dentist can help and advise you.
Deep cleaning
A thorough cleaning is the only way to remove tartar and other calcified (or hardened) bacterial deposits from teeth. Tartar forms on or near the gum line and is removed by the dentist or dental hygienist in a procedure called scaling, using special tools. The dental hygienist may also perform root planing, which involves removing plaque and tartar from the root surfaces in the space between the gum and the roots of the teeth.
Before a deep cleaning treatment, the gums may be inflamed and swollen and may even have deep pockets filled with bacteria. Scaling and root planing are used to treat these problems. However, both methods can also cause natural discomfort and bleeding. Your dentist may give you a local anesthetic if the deep cleaning is likely to be painful.
After treatment
General pain, sensitive teeth, and bleeding gums are normal aftereffects of a deep cleaning at the dentist. Part of this is due to the cleaning devices that came into contact with the inflamed gums (which bleed very easily). Deep cleaning also exposes new areas of the tooth that were previously covered in tartar. In areas where the gums have receded, the removal of tartar exposes part of the root of the tooth. It may take some time for your teeth to get over this new sensitivity. Since these areas are not covered in enamel, they are more sensitive than the rest of the tooth.
Sensitive teeth
Bleeding, pain, and tooth sensitivity that occurs after teeth cleaning should not last more than a week. Swollen, tender, and bleeding gums will also heal over time if you brush your teeth regularly and with care. However, general discomfort from teeth cleaning should go away after a day or two for most patients. However, it is not easy to avoid sensitive teeth when eating hot or cold foods or drinks, chewing, or brushing your teeth. But this should no longer be a problem after about a week.
Deep cleaning teeth and gum care
Taking extra care of your teeth and gums after deep cleaning and minimizing triggers for pain and sensitivity will help your gums heal properly. Wait at least a day before flossing, and brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush while your gums are still irritated. Use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help treat and prevent tooth sensitivity and avoid foods and drinks that trigger your sensitivity. If your teeth are still sensitive after three to four weeks of treatment, or if you have other concerns, you should schedule a follow-up exam with your dentist. This will help to check whether your gums are healing properly.
Sensitive teeth and gums after professional cleaning should not be a cause for concern at first; treat them at home with the right toothpaste and be careful about what you eat and drink. However, if your discomfort persists beyond a few weeks, you should consult your dentist.
Even if it has been a while since you had your teeth professionally cleaned, call us today. We will treat you with care and help you to minimize any pain or discomfort. Contact us today!