If you’ve never undergone a deep cleaning of your teeth, you might be wondering what to expect. Dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a common procedure that aims to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. This prevents gum disease and improves overall oral health. In this article, we’ll outline what to expect before, during, and after your deep cleaning.
Before the Deep Cleaning
Before your deep cleaning appointment, your dentist or dental hygienist will likely want to perform a comprehensive exam to assess the extent of your oral health problems. They may take X-rays of your teeth and perform a visual examination of your gums and teeth. Based on their findings, they will determine whether a deep cleaning is necessary and recommend a treatment plan.
During the Deep Cleaning
When you arrive for your deep cleaning appointment, your dental professional will make you comfortable in the dental chair and apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around your teeth. This ensures that you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your dentist or dental hygienist will begin removing the plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth using special tools. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of the buildup.
After removing the plaque and tartar, your dental professional will then use a special instrument called a scaler to smooth out any rough spots on the roots of your teeth. This helps to prevent bacteria from building up again in the future.
After the Deep Cleaning
After the deep cleaning, you may experience some side effects. It’s important to know what to expect so that you can be prepared and take steps to manage any discomfort. Here are some common side effects and what you can do about them:
Sensitivity:
You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days after the deep cleaning. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or sensitive toothpaste.
Bleeding:
It’s normal to experience some bleeding from your gums after a deep cleaning. This should subside within a day or two. If it doesn’t, contact your dental professional.
Swelling:
You may experience some swelling in your gums after the deep cleaning. This is also normal and should subside within a day or two.
Discomfort:
You may experience some discomfort or soreness in your gums after the deep cleaning. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Follow-up appointment:
Your dental professional will likely want to schedule a follow-up appointment to assess the effectiveness of the deep cleaning and ensure that your gums are healing properly.
It’s important to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits after your deep cleaning to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, using mouthwash, and scheduling regular dental checkups.
In conclusion, a deep cleaning of your teeth is a common procedure that can help improve your oral health by removing plaque and tartar buildup. While you may experience some side effects afterward, they are usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. By following good oral hygiene habits and attending regular dental checkups, you can maintain the health of your teeth and gums for years to come.
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