Is Pain after Deep Cleaning and Root Planning Normal – Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Pain after Deep Cleaning or Root Planning ?? Deep Cleaning or Scaling as it is called is a procedure to remove or clean tartar or Calculus which are hardened minerals attached to your tooth surface. These deposits lead to Gingivitis (Gum Disease) and Periodontitis. Deep cleaning refers to removal of the Deposits attached to the tooth surface under the Gum level, it is also called as Root Planning as you clean the surface of the Root of Tartar or Calculus.

A Dental Hygienist or a General Dentist or Periodontist are the ones who can perform Scaling and Root Planning procedure on your teeth. If you are having Gingivitis or Periodontists on all teeth it takes multiple appointments, but if the affected teeth are limited to one or two quadrants it can be completed in a single appointment. This is done either with an Ultrasonic Scaler or manually using Scalers and Curates. 

Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist might also suggest Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) or periodontal pocket reduction surgery in certain cases which can help in reduced bleeding and Pocket reduction as an alternative to your conventional surgery. 

Is Pain after Deep Cleaning or Scaling and Root Planning Common?

To perform Deep Cleaning and Root Planning your teeth and supporting tissues need to be Anesthetized prior to starting the procedure. This is to make sure that you do not have any pain during the procedure. Once your Teeth, gums, lip and sometimes tongue are anesthetized, the operator uses either an Ultrasonic Scaler or a Hand Scaler or Curette instrument to start the Cleaning process. The Vibrating metal tip along with a water jet is used to scrape off the tartar attached to the surface of the tooth and the water jet washes away the pieces of tartar.

Pain after Deep Cleaning and Root Planning usually presents as Discomfort or mild Throbbing type pain which reduces in 24 to 48 hours. But there will be discomfort around the gums on taking hot or cold stuff for 4-7 days.

Sensitivity after Deep Cleaning and Root Planning will be there for 2-3 weeks as the Gums are healing and you will be having Increased Sensitivity to Hot and Cold. This is the normal healing process and do not worry if you have Sensitivity for a longer time.

For Root Planning the operator uses a manual Scaling instrument or Curette or a an Ultrasonic Instrument to do the same process of scrapping the tartar or calculus of the root surface but under the gum line. In some cases an Antibiotic medication can be placed to prevent and treat any Gingival or Periodontal infection.

How to Relieve Pain after Root Planning or Deep Teeth Cleaning:

In case of Deep Cleaning or Root Planning as it is a minor procedure which is done after administering Local Anesthesia to numb the area, post OP you will be coming across some kind of discomfort and pain. 

1. To relieve pain you will need pain medication such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (Advil).
2. You can take anything Cold to relieve the discomfort.
3. Try Medicated mouthwash advised by your dentist or salt water (normal water) gargling is also helpful
4.  Avoid eating any food till the numbness is gone
5. Eat soft and easy to chew foods which will avoid any exertion on the gums and Oral cavity for at least 7 to 10 days. Avoid hard, crunchy or chewy, very hot or cold food which can lead to discomfort and also trigger bleeding for a couple of days.
6. Use Desensitizing or Sensitive toothpastes to reduce sensitivity, toothpaste containing Novamin (Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate and Potassium Nitrate have been found to be helpful in relieving Sensitivity in post Deep Scaling cases.