One of the main reasons why many people dread dental procedures such as deep cleaning is the fear of experiencing pain. But is it really that painful? Regular dental cleanings done to remove food debris and plaque don't hurt. However, deep dental cleanings to eliminate bacteria in the gum pockets and encourage the healing of gum disease can cause some discomfort. The dentist is likely to use a local anesthetic to numb the gums before the procedure.
Afterwards, your gums may be a little tender and may bleed slightly when you brush your teeth (gently) for the first few days. Your teeth may also be sensitive to cold or heat for the first two to three days after treatment. Occasionally, it may take a few weeks before all of the sensitivity goes away. Your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter mouthwash or pain reliever.During tooth scraping and root smoothing, you will receive a topical or local anesthetic to numb your gums.
Some sensitivity is expected after the process. You may experience swelling of the gums and minor bleeding. The periodontist will administer a local anesthetic if the deep dental cleaning process is likely to cause serious irritation.Deep dental cleaning is necessary to eliminate bacteria below the gum line and restore gum health. It helps protect the roots of the teeth, eliminates bad breath that emanates from gum disease, and cleans the teeth above and below the gum line.
When patients are concerned that deep dental cleaning will cause pain, they can consult with a periodontist to discuss options.