A periodontal cleaning is a deep cleaning procedure performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar buildup below and above the gumline. It is an important part of maintaining good oral health, especially for people who are prone to developing gum disease. While a regular cleaning only focuses on surface plaque removal, a deep cleaning goes deeper to remove harmful bacteria that can cause inflammation and infection.
Since periodontal cleanings are more involved than regular cleanings, you may experience some side effects afterwards. Here is an overview of what to expect after getting a deep cleaning at the dentist.
Bleeding Gums
Some bleeding after a deep cleaning is normal. The process involves scraping and cleaning below the gumline, which can irritate the gums and make them prone to bleeding for 12-24 hours afterwards. Here are some key points about post-cleaning bleeding:
- Bleeding should be minor and stop within a day.
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water helps control bleeding.
- Avoid hard foods and aggressive brushing which can aggravate bleeding.
- If heavy bleeding persists beyond 24 hours, call your dentist.
Tooth Sensitivity
Increased tooth sensitivity is common after a deep cleaning. The process removes plaque buildup and stains, which can expose small areas of dentin and make teeth feel sensitive temporarily.
Sensitivity may involve one or multiple teeth. It usually starts 1-2 days after the cleaning and goes away within a few weeks as the teeth adjust to being plaque-free. Using a desensitizing toothpaste can provide relief during this period.
Gum Recession
Some patients notice slight gum recession after a deep cleaning, which is when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth. This occurs because the hardened tartar below the gumline acts like a glue holding the gums tight to the teeth. Once removed, the gums can recede slightly and expose more of the tooth surface.
Mild recession after a cleaning is normal and stabilizes quickly. Proper oral hygiene is important to prevent further recession. Advanced cases may require grafting surgery to restore lost gum tissue.
Bad Breath
You may temporarily experience bad breath after a deep cleaning. This occurs because the cleaning process exposes pockets around the teeth that harbor bacteria and release odors. The breath typically improves within 1-2 days.
Practicing good oral hygiene with brushing, flossing and antiseptic mouthwash will help control odor. If bad breath persists longer than 3-4 days, let your dentist know as it could signify an infection.
Soreness
Some patients report soreness in the gums, jaw and neck muscles after a deep cleaning. This is caused by having your mouth open for an extended period as the dental hygienist works to remove tartar below the gumline.
Discomfort is usually worst in the first 24 hours and slowly improves over the next few days. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce soreness. Applying warm compresses to the face and massaging jaw muscles also brings relief.
Changes in Bite
You may notice a slight change in your bite after a deep cleaning. This occurs from having increased space between some teeth after tartar removal. As your gums recover and reattach to the clean tooth surfaces, your bite should return to normal within 1-2 weeks.
Let your dentist know if you still feel a change in your bite after 2 weeks. You may need an adjustment using bonding material to restore the original bite position.
Increased Tooth Mobility
Some people notice increased looseness or movement in certain teeth after a deep cleaning. This is caused by the disruption to gum tissue during tartar removal, which temporarily reduces support for the teeth.
As long as the teeth do not become excessively loose, this is not a major concern. Proper oral hygiene allows the gums to reattach and stabilize the teeth. However, inform your dentist about any noticeable increase in tooth mobility.
Food Impaction
You may notice some food trapping between teeth after a deep cleaning, which is called impaction. This occurs because enlarged gaps are present between teeth as the gums recover and reattach to clean tooth surfaces.
Food impaction is usually temporary until the gums heal completely. Careful flossing can dislodge trapped particles. Avoid sticky, chewy foods that are likely to get stuck. Inform your dentist if food impaction persists beyond 2 weeks.
Conclusion
Getting a deep cleaning is an important part of gum disease treatment and prevention. While it aims to improve your oral health, you may experience some common side effects afterwards like bleeding, soreness, sensitivity and changes in your bite.
These symptoms are generally mild, peak in the first 1-2 days and improve within a few weeks. Maintain proper oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s post-op instructions to help your mouth recover quickly. Contact your dentist if any symptoms concern you or persist beyond 2 weeks.
When to Call the Dentist After a Deep Cleaning
While the after-effects of a deep cleaning are usually minor, it’s important to monitor your condition and contact your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Heavy or excessive bleeding from the gums that lasts over 24 hours
- Severe throbbing pain in the gums that does not respond to over-the-counter medication
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Bad breath or foul taste that persists beyond 3-4 days
- Numbness, tingling or pain in the teeth, gums or jaw
- Significant change in bite position or loose teeth
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods/drinks
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums, which may indicate infection
- Fever or body aches
These signs could indicate complications like infection, nerve damage or other dental issues that require prompt evaluation and treatment. Getting them checked right away prevents the problem from worsening.
Post-Cleaning Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is crucial after a professional deep cleaning to prevent plaque and tartar from re-accumulating. Here are some tips:
- Brush twice daily – Gently brush morning and night using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once daily – Floss along the gumline to remove food particles and plaque.
- Use antiseptic rinse – Swish with an antibacterial rinse like chlorhexidine to manage bacteria.
- Avoid irritants – Steer clear of alcohol, tobacco, and spicy/acidic foods that can irritate the gums.
- Drink plenty of water – Stay hydrated to help your oral tissues heal.
- Use any prescribed medication – Take any antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses as directed.
Closely following your dentist’s postoperative instructions will facilitate healing after your cleaning. Be sure to schedule regular dental visits and cleanings to maintain your oral health.
When to Get Your Next Deep Cleaning
The frequency of deep cleanings depends on the health of your gums and degree of periodontal disease. Here are some general guidelines on recare intervals:
| Periodontal Condition | Recare Interval |
|---|---|
| Healthy gums with no sign of disease | Every 2-3 years |
| Early gum disease (gingivitis) | Every 6-12 months |
| Moderate gum disease (early periodontitis) | Every 3-6 months |
| Advanced gum disease (severe periodontitis) | Every 3-4 months |
| Aggressive gum disease | Every 2-3 months |
People with healthy gums may only need a deep cleaning every few years. Those with some degree of gum disease need more frequent maintenance cleanings, according to disease severity.
Your individual recare schedule will be determined by assessing factors like:
- Amount of tartar buildup
- Presence and depth of gum pocketing
- Bleeding on probing during exams
- Rate of plaque accumulation
- Response to previous cleanings
Staying on track with your customized cleaning schedule prevents re-accumulation of harmful plaque biofilm and protects your oral health.
Can a Deep Cleaning Permanently Damage Teeth?
When done properly, deep cleanings do not permanently damage teeth. However, aggressive scraping that removes excessive amounts of tooth structure can potentially cause issues like:
- Tooth sensitivity – Overzealous scraping can expose dentin and irritate nerves.
- Cracks – Removing too much enamel may weaken tooth structure and cause cracks.
- Recession – Over-scaling along the gumline can recede gums further.
- Increased decay risk – Loss of protective enamel raises cavity risk.
That said, these problems do not occur with careful deep cleaning by a skilled dental professional. The hygienist will use specialized instruments and gently debride just enough calculus to clean teeth thoroughly without removing important tooth structure.
Proper technique, coupled with excellent magnification and illumination in the operatory, ensures teeth are not damaged. Inform your dentist about any concerns you may have before getting a deep cleaning.
How to Protect Teeth After a Deep Cleaning
You can take these steps to prevent damage and protect teeth after a deep cleaning:
- Use a soft toothbrush and gentle brushing motion.
- Floss carefully along the gumline without snapping floss down.
- Avoid very hot, cold and acidic foods/drinks.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste if your teeth feel sensitive.
- Wear a custom night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Get restorations like sealants and bonded fillings placed if needed.
Proper home care and any recommended dental work can help keep your freshly cleaned teeth healthy.
Does Insurance Cover Deep Cleanings?
Deep cleanings are typically covered by dental insurance since periodontal disease is linked to many medical conditions. However, the portion of the cost you pay depends on your specific dental plan.
Here are some key points about insurance coverage for deep cleanings:
- Procedures are fully or partially covered under most plans.
- Higher level plans like PPO tend to have better coverage.
- Coverage may alternate for different quarterly cleanings.
- Out-of-pocket costs are higher for basic plans like DMO.
- Pre-existing conditions may not be covered during the first year.
- Annual maximums can limit how much insurance pays per year.
Knowing your plan details helps determine costs for services like deep cleanings. Your dentist’s billing staff can also provide estimates beforehand.
Strategies to Reduce Deep Cleaning Costs
You can use these tips to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for deep cleanings:
- Maximize your annual dental insurance allowance.
- Have cleanings spaced out strategically based on plan alternate coverage.
- Ask if the dentist offers package discounts for periodontal patients needing multiple regular and deep cleanings.
- Inquire if the practice has an in-house dental savings plan with reduced fees for periodontal maintenance.
- Take good care of your teeth between cleanings to maximize the time between deep cleanings.
Discussing financial options with your dentists helps manage costs for important gum health cleanings.
FAQs – Periodontal Cleaning Aftercare
How long does it take to recover from a deep cleaning?
It typically takes around 2-4 weeks to fully recover and heal after a deep cleaning. Gums may remain sore and sensitive during this time. Brushing and eating can be uncomfortable initially but gradually improve. With proper at-home care, your gums should feel normal by your follow-up appointment.
What are the alternatives to a deep cleaning for gum disease?
Some alternatives to traditional deep cleanings include:
- Laser bacterial reduction – Laser light kills germs in pockets.
- Arestin – Antibacterial medicated chips placed in pockets.
- Perioscopy – Cleaning pockets using a dental endoscope.
- Dental irrigation – Flushing pockets with antibacterial solution.
However, these newer options may not fully remove hardened tartar below the gumline in severe cases. Traditional deep cleaning often remains the most effective approach, especially for advanced disease.
Can I eat after a deep cleaning?
It’s best to avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, and spicy foods for 1-2 days after a deep cleaning. Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, pudding, ice cream, smoothies, and soup. This allows your gums time to heal without irritation. Gradually reintroduce your regular diet after a couple days.
Do deep cleanings get everything?
A proper deep cleaning performed under anesthesia or sedation can effectively remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets that cannot be accessed during regular cleanings. However, diligent daily oral hygiene is still required to prevent microbial recolonization and calculus re-formation in pockets.
Key Takeaways
- Expect some bleeding, soreness, sensitivity and changes in your bite when recovering from a deep cleaning.
- Proper daily oral hygiene is critical for maintaining the benefits of the cleaning.
- These procedures are generally covered by dental insurance, but verify details with your provider.
- Let your dentist know if any worrisome symptoms develop after the cleaning.
- Consistent periodontal maintenance is key to treating and preventing further gum disease.