Do Gums Reattach After Deep Cleaning?

Besides your daily brushing and flossing, dental experts recommend having at least two professional cleanings per year. Dental cleanings help remove bacterial plaque and tartar trapped on the teeth and around the gum line that could potentially cause tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and other oral problems.

When not cleaned promptly, plaque and tartar can develop along and below the gum line, causing the gums to recede (separate from the teeth). If not cleaned, more plaque and bacteria accumulate under the gums, creating deeper gum pockets or spaces.

To remove these bacterial deposits, your dentist can recommend a deep cleaning, also known as dental scaling and root planing. Unlike regular dental cleanings, deep cleaning removes bacteria and debris on the teeth and above and below the gum line. It helps the gums heal and prevents further infections under the gum line, leading to bone loss and even tooth loss.

Signs you may need deep cleaning

Deep cleaning treats an early form of gum disease. Gum or periodontal disease is the infection and inflammation of the gum tissues. The symptoms of gum disease can range from mild to severe.

Advanced gum disease can damage your gums and lead to serious symptoms like bone loss, tooth loss, and the need for surgical procedures. That said, it’s always best to treat gum disease as early as possible. Common symptoms that you have gum disease and you need to see a dentist include:

• Sore, red, swollen, or sensitive gums
• Gum bleeding, especially when brushing
• Excessive tooth sensitivity
• Tooth pain
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath

Deep Cleaning: What to Expect

It’s worth noting that deep cleaning is only ideal for treating the early stages of gum disease. Advanced gum disease or periodontitis may require more extensive treatments like surgery. You can complete deep cleaning in single or multiple appointments.

Deep cleaning is an outpatient procedure you can complete in your dentist’s office, or they may refer you to a periodontist (gum specialist). Our periodontist in Concord, NH, begins by numbing your gums to keep you comfortable, as the procedure can cause significant sensitivity or pain.

Then, the dentist uses a dental scalar (manual or ultrasonic) to scrape off tartar and plaque from the teeth and above and below the gum line. It reduces the gum pockets and allows the gums to reattach snugly around the teeth. That’s called dental scaling.

After eliminating the bacterial deposits, the next step is root planning. The periodontist smoothens out the surfaces of the tooth to allow the gums to reattach easily. It also makes it difficult for bacteria to attach to the roots again.

Based on the severity of your condition, the dentist might recommend other treatments like antibiotics, periodontal gum disease surgery, or routine dental cleanings after deep cleaning. These procedures may be necessary to restore the health of your gums and prevent the infection from re-colonizing.

Deep Cleaning Aftercare Tips

After deep cleaning, you will likely experience minor soreness, discomfort, bleeding, and swelling. These effects should fade away in a few days. Use the following tips:

• Wait until the anesthetic wears off to eat or drink.
• Eat a soft diet like scrambled eggs, avocado, and mashed potatoes. Anything hard, chewy, or crunchy could irritate or damage the gums, delaying healing.
• Avoid hot liquids.
• Brush and floss daily and gently.
• Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol to manage pain and swelling.
• Rinse with salt water.
• Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.

Do gums reattach after deep cleaning?

Deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar below the gum line, allowing the gums to heal around the teeth. It takes about seven days for the gums to heal. Complete healing and re-attachment can take up to 6 or 8 weeks.

However, it’s worth noting that if the gums are severely damaged or receded, your gums may not grow back. Fortunately, your dentist or periodontist can create a personalized treatment to stop further damage and manage your condition.

Are you interested in periodontal care in Concord, NH?

Do you have any symptoms of gum disease? Or would you like to learn more about deep cleaning? Contact Concord Dental Associates to book your appointment today.