A dental cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, involves cleaning below the gum line to remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that contribute to periodontal disease. It is not a particularly invasive procedure, as the dentist or hygienist can use a numbing agent to prevent discomfort, but it does require aftercare by the patient until the numbness, swelling, and bleeding go away.
Patients can manage symptoms and prevent any issues after deep dental cleaning by making smart dietary choices, utilizing pain relief medication in a safe manner, and keeping the mouth clean. If any issues develop, they should be sure to notify the dentist to find out if they should go back into the office to deal with the symptoms.
There should not be much, if any, discomfort after a deep dental cleaning. However, the mouth will likely remain numb for several hours. During this time, try to avoid eating. To ensure that this is not an issue, consider having a meal before arriving at the dentist. Within 12 hours, the numbness should go away, and patients should be able to eat again, although with limited restrictions.
For the first day after a deep dental cleaning, consider eating only soft foods. Also, avoid foods that are of an extreme temperature (hot or cold), as it could cause irritation. Foods and beverages that are high in sugar could also cause irritation. Instead, eat foods such as oatmeal and scrambled eggs, and drink water instead of coffee, tea, or soft drinks. After 24-48 hours, the patient can return to their normal diet.
If there is any minor discomfort, then pain relief medication should help. This can also reduce inflammation. However, do not take more pain reliever than what is recommended by the dentist.
The risk of oral infection is slightly higher after a deep dental cleaning. To reduce the risk, keep the mouth clean. Doing a saltwater rinse several times for the first day or two is a great way to disinfect the mouth and prevent infection.
Any minor bleeding is not a cause for concern after a deep dental cleaning. However, if any symptoms become severe, the patient should contact the dentist and find out what steps they recommend to take. If necessary, they can have the patient go back in for a visit to deal with any concerns.
You can make an appointment with our dental team today by giving us a call or sending us a message. We offer deep dental cleaning and do all that we can to help our patients during the aftercare process by providing them with ways to reduce discomfort and make a fast recovery.
Are you considering a deep dental cleaning in the Saratoga Springs area? Get more information at https://www.mysaratogadentist.com.
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