Gums Healing After Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning is a routine procedure performed by dentists to remove plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gumline, where regular cleanings and home care can’t reach. This procedure is essential for preventing or stopping the spread of gum disease caused by this buildup. Unlike a standard cleaning, a deep cleaning is more invasive, which means your gums will need time to heal afterward. Understanding the healing process and how to care for your gums during recovery is key to ensuring a smooth recovery. By taking proper care of your mouth, you can help speed up the healing process and improve the results. Read on to learn more about what happens during the procedure and how your gums heal afterward.
What happens during and after a deep teeth cleaning?
Deep teeth cleanings are performed in a dentist’s office using local anesthesia to numb the areas of the mouth that are being cleaned. The local anesthesia allows the dentist to get deeper behind the gums to places normally unreachable. It also ensures that the procedure is pain free for the patient. Deep teeth cleanings involve procedures known as scaling and root planing. These procedures work to scrape and clear away the buildup while preparing the gums and roots for healing after. Following the procedure, the local anesthesia will wear off and when it does it is normal to experience some sensitivity, swelling, or minor discomfort in the gums in the areas that were deep cleaned. It is also normal to have some bleeding during the first 24 hours as well.
The first step in the healing process is the gums reattaching to the teeth as they heal. This works to strengthen the connection between the gums and teeth which will help prevent future plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. The gums will look healthier and less inflamed, after a few days and this improvement will continue over the weeks following the procedure.
How do you support gum healing and health after a deep teeth cleaning?
After a deep teeth cleaning, you will be given post-procedure care instructions by your dentist. These instructions are important to follow because they are designed to help the healing process. The guidance will generally recommend sticking to a soft diet immediately after the procedure and for a few days after. This helps prevent irritating the gums while they heal.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is also important following the procedure. This helps your gums heal. Your dentist will recommend that you brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss carefully to avoid irritating the gums while keeping the area clean. Your dentist will also likely recommend warm saltwater rinses. These can reduce swelling and promote healing. Saltwater rinses can be done a couple of times a day for the first week. Staying hydrated and avoiding harmful activities such as using tobacco products is also important for promoting gum healing following a deep teeth cleaning.
What does this mean for me?
After a deep teeth cleaning, your gums will need time to heal. If you follow your dentist’s guidance on how to care for your gums after the procedure, you will give them the best chance of healing properly. If you have questions pertaining to your specific circumstances, speak with your dentist today.