A deep dental cleaning, formally known as Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), treats gum disease by accessing areas below the gum line to remove hardened deposits and bacteria. Unlike a routine cleaning, SRP targets root surfaces within the gum pockets where periodontitis develops. Because of the depth required, local anesthesia is standard practice to ensure patient comfort. Understanding how this anesthesia is administered can help alleviate anxiety.
Understanding the Need for Deep Cleaning Anesthesia
The primary purpose of local anesthesia during a deep cleaning is to manage pain when working on the root surfaces beneath the gums. Gum disease causes pockets to deepen beyond the healthy one to three millimeters, allowing plaque and tartar to accumulate. SRP involves carefully inserting instruments deep into these periodontal pockets to scrape away deposits and smooth the tooth’s root surfaces.
Accessing and cleaning the root surfaces is necessary to allow gum tissue to reattach properly, but it involves manipulating sensitive structures. Tooth roots contain dentin, which can transmit strong sensations to the underlying nerve when exposed. Numbing the area prevents discomfort during the thorough cleaning required to halt gum disease progression. The anesthetic allows the dental professional to perform the detailed procedure without causing pain.
The Logistics of Anesthesia: Determining the Number of Shots
The number of injections, or “shots,” for a deep cleaning is not fixed; it depends on the treatment area and the type of anesthesia used. The mouth is divided into four quadrants: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. Dental professionals almost always perform a full deep cleaning over at least two separate appointments, focusing on only one or two quadrants at a time. This staged approach limits the total anesthetic administered and ensures the patient can comfortably eat and speak afterward, as only one side of the mouth is numb.
For the upper jaw, the bone is less dense, allowing the anesthetic to diffuse easily using infiltration. This technique involves a few injections placed near the roots within the treated quadrant. The lower jaw often requires a different approach, particularly for the back teeth, due to its denser bone structure. A block injection is typically administered to numb a larger section of the nerve before it branches out, requiring fewer injection sites for full quadrant numbness.
A single deep cleaning appointment covering one or two quadrants typically involves two to five injections. Treating only one quadrant uses the lower end of this range, often combining block and infiltration techniques for complete coverage. For two quadrants, such as the entire right or left side of the mouth, the total number of injection points increases to ensure all areas are fully anesthetized. The exact count is determined by the dental professional based on the patient’s anatomy and the extent of gum disease in that specific area.
Post-Procedure Anesthesia Effects and Recovery
Once the deep cleaning is complete, the effects of the local anesthesia begin to wear off, but this process is not immediate. Numbness typically lasts for two to four hours after the injection, though this varies based on the specific agent and the individual’s metabolism. During this time, the lips, tongue, and cheek in the treated area may feel heavy or thick.
It is important to manage the residual numbness carefully to prevent accidental injury to the soft tissues of the mouth. Patients should avoid chewing or eating until all sensation has returned, as it is easy to inadvertently bite the cheek or tongue when numb. Consuming hot beverages should also be avoided until feeling returns to prevent accidental burns. While the numbness is temporary, the injection sites may remain slightly tender for a few days, and over-the-counter pain medication can help manage discomfort. Recovery is generally quick, allowing patients to return to their normal daily activities immediately.