Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?

A deep teeth cleaning is imperative when you have plaque, tartar, or calculus build-up on your teeth below the surface of your gumline. This plaque build-up will immediately cause inflammation, or swelling, of the gums around the teeth. This infection leads to bleeding gums, gums shrinking, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

How Does Your Dentist Determine if You Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning

Your dentist will employ several complimentary methods and tools to confirm if you would benefit from a deep teeth cleaning. This usually includes an exam, periodontal probing, and x-rays to identify issues below the gums surface.

  • Clinical Exam- Your dentist will identify swelling or bleeding of the gums around your teeth. Another indicator is if any teeth are loose. A tooth that can be moved with light finger pressure suggests bone loss.
  • Periodontal Probing- There is a small pocket around each tooth and the depth is measured with a small tool called a perio probe. A healthy pocket measures a depth of three millimeters or less. If the depth exceeds that it is another indicator of gum disease.
  • X-rays- Your dentist will investigate the bone level and the shape of the bone near the root. With x-rays, they can identify bone loss and damage and are able to determine if a deep teeth cleaning is beneficial.

If your dentist determines that a deep teeth cleaning is required, because a regular cleaning is no longer sufficient to return your gums to proper health.

Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?

Deep teeth cleanings are extremely thorough and will go further below the gumline than regular cleanings, and they might cause some discomfort. To ensure you are comfortable during your treatment, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area prior to starting. Once you are sufficiently numb you will feel some minor pressure and even slight vibration but will be free of any discomfort during the procedure. You might experience some sensitivity and some slight swelling after your procedure is completed.

How Long Does a Deep Teeth Cleaning Take?

The time a deep cleaning takes depends on several variables.

  • Whether it is a partial, specific area, or full-mouth cleaning.
  • The actual amount of plaque buildup to remove.
  • Your personal anxiety levels.
  • Any other medical conditions.

Sometimes only one area will need a deep teeth cleaning. For a complete mouth deep cleaning, only half of the mouth is done per appointment.

For a half-mouth deep teeth cleaning, you should prepare for an appointment time of around 90 minutes.

The Benefits of a Deep Teeth Cleaning

Directly following your deep teeth cleaning you might have some discomfort and aching. Once your mouth has had time to heal you will see the following improvements:

  • No bleeding when brushing and flossing.
  • Your bad breath is gone.
  • Your gums that are no longer puffy, swollen, or irritated.
  • There is less discomfort.
  • Stopping the loss of bone around your teeth.
  • Teeth that felt loose now feel more secure.
  • Decreased tooth sensitivity.

What is the Cost?

The cost will depend on the area treated, just a few teeth or an entire mouth. There will be costs for medication used to help increase the chances of success. Simply contact your dental insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage.

What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?