A dental deeper clean, sometimes referred to as scaling and root planning, is a more thorough cleaning than a regular tooth cleaning. It is commonly suggested for those who have gum disease (periodontis) where accumulation of plaque and tartar occur underneath the gums causing pockets which house bacteria. Though one may think otherwise, as a “deep” cleaning suggests otherwise, with the improvement of dental procedures and application of local anesthetic, discomfort should be limited during the intervention. If you are interested in this procedure and reside within Barrie, plenty of dental offices Barrie can provide this procedure with the scope of maintaining your comfort.
The major goal of a deep cleaning procedure is the removal of hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria on the tooth surfaces and root surfaces below the gum line. Two main stages are involved in this process: scaling and root planing. Scaling consists of scraping tartar and plaque that may have accumulated on the teeth or within the gum pockets. Both dentists and hygienists might do this using hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers. The ultrasonic scalers generate vibrations and use a steady spray of water to disrupt and wash away the deposits.
Root planing occurs after the scaling and smoothens the root surfaces of the teeth. This smoothing is very important because it is easier for bacteria to adhere to rough root surfaces and for tartar to build up again. A smooth surface helps the gums re-attach to the tooth, thus shrinking the depth of the periodontal pockets and aiding in healing.
So, the big question remains: Does it hurt? Usually, no, not during the treatment. Generally, local anesthesia is administered to numb the gums and adjacent tissues in the part that is being treated to avoid any kind of discomfort. So, technically speaking, you should not feel any kind of sharp pain throughout the scaling and root planing procedure. When the dentist operates with the instruments, you will probably sense some pressure or vibrations, but nobody should state that it hurts. It is often said by many patients that the whole process was identical to a regular teeth cleaning, but with a lot more thorough and extended work in some select areas.
Once this process is over and the anesthesia wears off, however, you should be prepared for the potential of mild discomfort. It is generally expected to experience slight soreness, tenderness, as well as swelling in your gums over a span of a couple of days after a deep cleaning. Your teeth could possibly get sensitive to sudden temperature changes (hot or cold) over the period of a week or two while your gums are healing, and the deep surfaces of your teeth are being exposed. However, the degree of uneasiness following the procedure can depend sharply on how severe your gum condition is and how much cleaning really needed.
Following are ways to relieve discomfort afterward: Your dentist might recommend some over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to keep you comfortable after the procedure.”). Using a warm salt water rinse several times a day will also soothe your gums and hasten healing. Soft foods are usually recommended for a few days, so try to avoid really hot, cold, or spicy foods that can irritate these sensitive areas. A very important factor for a smooth recovery and long-term deep-cleaning success is diligent oral care of gentle brushing and flossing techniques as instructed by your dentist.
In summary, while a “deep” cleaning can conjure an intimidating thought, it is usually not painful owing to the use of local anesthesia. Mildly uncomfortable, temporary pain in the days after the treatment is common as your gums heal. The after-care benefits of deep cleaning, such as the arrest of gum disease progression, prevention of tooth loss, and the enhancement of oral health, greatly outweigh the short-term discomfort. If you think you might need a deep scaling cleaning, do not hesitate to bring your concerns to your Barrie dentist. They can help assess your wants and make sure the procedure will be as comfortable and effective as possible.
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