If you’ve been told you need a deep teeth cleaning, you might be wondering if it could affect the stability of your teeth. Some people worry that teeth could loosen or even fall out after the procedure. While this concern is understandable, it is important to know that teeth falling out after a deep teeth cleaning is rare. A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is designed to improve gum health and prevent tooth loss, not cause it. If you need a deep teeth cleaning or have recently had one and are wondering what it means for your teeth, read on to learn more.
What Happens During a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning is a procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. It’s typically recommended for people with gum disease or significant plaque buildup that regular cleanings can’t address.
The process involves two main steps:
- Scaling, where the dentist removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gums.
- Root planing, where the dentist smooths out the tooth roots to prevent future bacterial buildup and help the gums reattach properly.
Because this procedure is more thorough than a routine cleaning, local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable.
Why Do Teeth Feel Loose After a Deep Cleaning?
Some patients notice their teeth feel slightly looser after a deep cleaning. This can happen for a few reasons:
- Reduced Gum Swelling: Before the cleaning, inflamed gums may have been holding the teeth tightly in. Once the cleaning reduces inflammation, the gums relax, and teeth might feel less secure. This is usually temporary and decreases as the mouth adjusts.
- Removal of Plaque and Tartar: In some cases, hardened plaque and tartar buildup act as false supports for loose teeth. Removing it can make teeth feel different, but its removal is necessary for long-term gum health.
- Existing Gum Disease Damage: If gum disease has already weakened the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, deep cleaning may expose pre-existing issues. In these cases, teeth may feel less secure, not because of the cleaning itself, but because of the damage that was already there.
Can Teeth Fall Out After a Deep Cleaning?
It is rare for teeth to fall out after a deep cleaning. However, if a tooth is already severely damaged due to advanced gum disease or bone loss, it may eventually fall out. This is not because of the cleaning though. The deep cleaning simply revealed the existing problem, rather than causing it. In fact, deep cleaning helps prevent future tooth loss by stopping gum disease from worsening and allowing gums to heal properly.
How to Keep Your Teeth Stable After a Deep Cleaning
To help your gums heal and keep your teeth stable after a deep cleaning, follow these care tips:
- Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Use saltwater rinses to soothe gums and reduce swelling.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they slow healing.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days to minimize irritation.
- Attend follow-up visits so your dentist can monitor your gum health.