Deep gum cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure to treat gum disease. Many people worry about discomfort during this treatment. Understanding the process can help ease these concerns.
Understanding the Procedure
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure addressing gum disease, or periodontal disease. It removes plaque and tartar, which is hardened plaque, from above and below the gumline. Dentists or dental hygienists perform this cleaning.
The procedure has two main components. Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from tooth surfaces, extending into pockets between gums and teeth. Root planing then smooths the tooth root surfaces. This smoothing eliminates rough areas where bacteria accumulate, encouraging gum tissue to reattach to the roots.
Managing Discomfort During the Cleaning
Concerns about pain during deep gum cleaning are common, but dental professionals employ various strategies to minimize discomfort. The most frequent method for managing pain is the use of local anesthesia, which numbs the specific area being treated. This anesthetic blocks nerve signals, significantly reducing or eliminating pain sensation during the procedure.
Even with numbing, patients might perceive pressure or vibrations, but typically not sharp pain. A topical anesthetic gel may be applied before the local anesthetic injection to reduce initial discomfort. For those with anxiety, nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, can promote relaxation.
Navigating Post-Procedure Sensitivity
Following a deep gum cleaning, it is common to experience some sensitivity and mild discomfort as the gums heal. Patients might notice tenderness, slight swelling, or even minor bleeding in the treated areas. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is also a frequent sensation after the procedure.
These post-procedure sensations usually subside within a few days to about a week. To manage discomfort at home, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be effective. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water several times a day can help soothe the gums and aid the healing process. It is often recommended to consume soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or highly acidic items for a few days after the cleaning to minimize irritation. Regular, gentle brushing and flossing are still important to maintain cleanliness and support healing.
The Importance of Deep Gum Cleaning
Deep gum cleaning helps maintain oral health, especially for those with gum disease. This procedure treats periodontal disease, a condition where plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, causing inflammation and infection. If untreated, gum disease can progress, leading to bone loss around teeth and eventual tooth loss.
By removing harmful bacteria and smoothing root surfaces, deep gum cleaning halts disease progression. It also encourages gums to reattach to teeth, reducing periodontal pocket depth where bacteria thrive. Treating gum disease through deep cleaning can also improve overall health, as untreated oral infections may have broader implications.