Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning
You may have noticed your gums bleeding, caused by bacteria that irritate them, especially while brushing or eating. This could be the beginning of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis. One of the best ways to combat gingivitis and periodontitis is through deep teeth cleaning, including scaling and root planning.
What is scaling?
Scaling is a deep teeth cleaning technique performed with the goal of reducing and, if possible, eliminating periodontal pockets and related periodontal disease. Specifically, scaling involves removing plaque and tartar that have accumulated below the gum line. This requires the use of a special instrument, a scaler, which can be used to carefully remove plaque and tartar.
Why it's important
Dental scaling during deep teeth cleaning is important for professionally treating the early stages of periodontal disease. After treatment, patients may experience increased tooth and gum sensitivity. Once the underlying causes of periodontal disease have been eliminated, gum inflammation will subside, and the tooth roots will be clean, allowing the gums to reattach to the tooth. If scaling isn't enough to resolve the inflammation, your doctor may recommend periodontal surgery to halt the progression of the disease. Remember, at this stage, to prevent gum inflammation, it's important to keep your teeth clean daily by using a proper toothbrush and toothpaste.
Root planing
Associated with deep teeth cleaning and scaling treatment, root planing involves cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces, removing the damaged layer of bacterial toxins from plaque using hand instruments called curettes. This procedure is done to promote the restoration of the gum attachment to the clean, smooth surface of the tooth root and make it more difficult for plaque to accumulate again. Scaling and root planing techniques are generally performed under local anesthesia and are therefore not painful. They are two fundamental steps in what we can define as the path to recovery and restoration of oral health.
After a deep teeth cleaning, your gums go through a natural healing process as inflammation and bacteria are reduced. In the first few days, it’s common to experience tenderness, slight bleeding, and sensitivity to hot or cold foods as the roots are exposed and bacteria are removed. Over the next one to two weeks, the gums begin to reattach more firmly to the teeth, and while your teeth may feel slightly loose at first, this sensation improves as the tissues heal and tighten. Within two to four weeks, bleeding and inflammation typically decrease, and your gums start to look pinker and healthier, especially with good oral hygiene and any prescribed antimicrobial rinses. Full recovery usually occurs within six to eight weeks, when the gums have reattached completely, and the pockets around the teeth have reduced. Maintaining proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups is essential to keep your gums healthy and prevent reinfection. If tenderness, swelling, or pain persists beyond two weeks, it’s important to contact your dentist for follow-up care.
In conclusion
Deep teeth cleaning is an important part of your overall oral health. Though you will experience some tenderness in your gums, after about a month, the tenderness will have subsided, and you will see a healthier smile. Contact us today for an appointment!