My Teeth Hurt After Cleaning
Not all, but some dental cleaning procedures can be painful after the initial visit. When going in for a deep dental cleaning, there is a possibility that there may be pain after the procedure, which is normal! A deep cleaning is a bit more of an invasive procedure, where not only the surface of the teeth and between them are cleaned, but also below the gum line as well, which is very sensitive due to the number of nerves in that area.
What happens during a deep clean?
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, consists of the dental hygienist or professional doing a more detailed cleaning of the mouth. Before getting to work on the client, the dental professional would have administered local anesthesia to the area that they are working on to prevent as much pain as possible during the procedure.
- Scaling: Once the numbing solution kicks in, the dentist will start by scraping off any plaque on and around the teeth. They will also start to scrape beneath the soft gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. This is done because the amount of plaque buildup in these gum pockets has reached more than 3 millimeters, which can be at risk of infecting the root of the tooth.
- Root planing: After all the plaque is cleared away, the tooth gets buffed out. After the scraping, the dentist may see uneven parts of the tooth, or the surface may look a bit rough. This process smooths things out to ensure that no irritation or pain further happens from these areas.
What happens after the deep clean?
Before leaving the dental office, the dental hygienist would talk to the client about the next steps and what to expect going forward after the cleaning. One thing to pay attention to is what to do next right after leaving the office. In some cases, the dentist may prescribe painkillers or other medications to speed up the recovery time. The dentist will also warn the client to avoid eating for an hour or so after the procedure. This is because the anesthesia will take some time to wear off, but it is possible that the tongue and lips may be numb. If that is the case, it is easier to bite your own lip or even your tongue.
There may be pain and discomfort in brushing the teeth the same day as the deep cleaning. The gums are still sensitive and exposed, so listening to the dental hygienist on how to properly brush your teeth after the cleaning is crucial.
It is quite normal for there to be some pain and discomfort after a dental cleaning, depending on the type of cleaning that was performed. If there is prolonged pain days after, or if things don’t feel right, it’s best to contact the dental specialist right away. There could be new infections forming, or something else may be wrong beneath the gums. Its ok to ask for advice from the dentist for any follow-ups or if any concerns arise.
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