Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?
Deep teeth cleaning is a routine procedure that helps maintain healthy gums and stop the spread of gum disease. While regular dental cleanings are enough for most people, there are times when plaque and tartar find their way beneath the gumline, where brushing, flossing, and standard cleanings can’t reach. When that happens, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. If you’ve never had one before, you may be wondering what it feels like and whether it will be painful. Knowing what to expect can make the experience much easier. Read on to learn more.
What is a deep teeth cleaning and why might you need one?
Deep teeth cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is designed to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. This buildup can create pockets between your gums and teeth where bacteria thrive. Over time, these bacteria can cause inflammation, infection, and eventually gum disease if left untreated. The goal of a deep cleaning is to stop or slow the disease, reduce gum inflammation, and restore gum health.
Most people need a deep cleaning when their dentist notices signs of gum disease during an exam. These signs may include bleeding gums, swelling, or pockets developing between the gums and teeth. In these cases, a regular cleaning will not be enough to remove the buildup and bacteria hidden below the gumline.
What happens during the procedure?
A typical deep cleaning takes about one to two hours, though it can be done in multiple visits if needed. Your dentist will begin by applying a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. This ensures you remain comfortable while they work. Using specialized tools, they will carefully remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, roots, and beneath the gumline. The next step is root planing, where the roots are smoothed to make it harder for bacteria to collect in the future and to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
Does deep teeth cleaning hurt?
The procedure itself should not be painful because of the numbing medication. You may feel pressure or slight movement, but you should not feel sharp pain. Once the numbness fades, it’s normal to experience mild soreness, tenderness, or sensitivity in the treated areas. Some people may notice slight bleeding when brushing or flossing for a day or two afterward.
Managing discomfort after a deep cleaning
Any discomfort following a deep cleaning is usually temporary and easy to manage at home. Many dentists recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to ease tenderness. Eating soft foods for a couple of days can help prevent irritation to sensitive gums. Rinsing gently with warm salt water can also soothe the gums and promote healing. Your dentist may suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding certain foods or drinks until your gums feel normal again.
The bottom line
While deep teeth cleaning is more involved than a standard cleaning, it’s not usually painful thanks to numbing medication. The mild discomfort that follows is temporary, and the benefits to your gum health make it worthwhile. If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning and are concerned about pain, talk with your dentist about your options for keeping the procedure as comfortable as possible.