Deep Cleanings

Anesthesia

Following dental anesthesia, the lips, gums and cheeks can remain numb for up to two hours. Avoid eating or biting your lips or cheeks until the anesthesia wears off to prevent injury to the areas.

Sensitivity and Soreness

Following a deep cleaning, tooth soreness can be expected for the first couple of days. Sensitivity can remain for up to a week. Gums may also be sore, swollen or even bleed.

Medication

In order to prevent infection and control pain your dentist may prescribe oral medication, a mouthwash or even insert medication directly into the pocket around the tooth or teeth that were cleaned.

Diet

Following a deep cleaning eat soft foods until you feel ready to resume your regular diet. Also, avoid very hot or very cold food and beverages while pain and sensitivity persist. Extreme temperatures can bother already-sensitive teeth.

Dental Care

Following a deep cleaning, you can immediately resume your regular home care routine, brushing and flossing as usual. Make sure you use a soft toothbrush to avoid aggravating the gum line. Patients requiring deep cleaning will be on a 90-day schedule for return visits. This schedule helps ensure good dental health, preventing both infection and bone loss in patients with gum disease.

Source:   American Dental Association – http://www.ada.org/en