It’s one of the most common and understandable questions we hear from patients: “Will a deep cleaning hurt?” Any dental procedure that works below the gumline can cause apprehension, and it’s completely normal to be concerned about comfort.
At Kennett Road Dental Practice, your wellbeing is our top priority. The simple answer is that while a deep cleaning is more involved than a regular one, the procedure is specifically designed to be performed with minimal to no pain.
During the Procedure: Prioritising Your Comfort
Because a deep cleaning, or root surface debridement, addresses areas where your gums may be inflamed and sensitive, we take every measure to ensure your comfort throughout.
Before the procedure begins, your dentist or hygienist will administer a topical anaesthetic and a local anaesthetic to completely numb the section of the mouth being treated. While you may still feel some pressure or the vibrations of the cleaning instruments, you should not feel any pain.
Our team communicates with you throughout the process, and we encourage you to signal to us at any time if you begin to feel discomfort, so we can make immediate adjustments.
After the Procedure: The Healing Phase
Once the anaesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience some temporary side effects as your gums begin to heal. This is a sign that your body is recovering and responding to the treatment. These effects are usually mild and may include:
- Soreness and Tenderness: Your gums may feel tender for a few days after the procedure.
- Minor Bleeding: You might notice slight bleeding for the first day or two, especially when brushing.
- Tooth Sensitivity: It is common to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. This occurs because the root surfaces are newly cleaned of insulating tartar buildup and usually subsides within a few weeks.
Deep Teeth Cleaning Aftercare
Following your deep cleaning, we will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. To manage any discomfort and promote healing, we generally recommend the following:
- Eat Soft Foods: For the first few days, stick to foods like soup, yoghurt, pasta and mashed potatoes.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Try to avoid very hot or very cold food and drinks while your teeth are sensitive.
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: A salt water rinse two to three times a day can help soothe inflammation and cleanse the area.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: If you experience soreness, medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be very effective.
- Be Gentle When Cleaning: It is crucial to continue brushing and flossing to keep the area clean, but do so very gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush for the first week.
A deep cleaning is a vital treatment for stopping gum disease and preserving your oral health. While you can expect some temporary and manageable sensitivity as your gums heal, the procedure itself is performed with your comfort as the primary focus.
If you have any concerns about this or any procedure, please do not hesitate to talk to our team. We are here to answer all your questions and ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
