Loose Teeth After Deep Cleaning

Many people may experience some degree of loose teeth after deep cleaning, especially if they have not had professional cleaning done in a while. The loose teeth are generally caused by the removal of tartar and plaque that has built up over time. While this may be a little uncomfortable in the short term, it is a sign that the deep cleaning was successful and that your teeth are now cleaner and healthier. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of loose teeth after deep cleaning and what you can do to remedy the situation. We will also provide some tips for preventing loose teeth and tooth loss.

What is Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth and is made up of bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it will harden into tartar. Tartar is a hard, yellow deposit that forms on teeth and below the gumline. Plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate the gums, causing gum disease, a bacterial infection of the gums.

If left untreated, the infection may spread to the tooth-supporting tissues, causing loose teeth and tooth loss. So, your dentist may recommend professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and treat gum disease. Professional teeth cleaning can be:

  • Routine or regular teeth cleaning: the dentist removes the plaque and tartar that has built up on the teeth above the gumline. You should visit your dentist for regular teeth cleaning every six months.
  • Deep teeth cleaning: the dentist removes the plaque and tartar that has built up on the teeth below the gumline. Deep teeth cleaning is recommended if you have gum disease.

Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is the removal of plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces and below the gumline. The dentist uses special instruments to remove the plaque and tartar. The procedure may be uncomfortable, but it is very effective in preventing gum disease and restoring oral health. Some people may experience some degree of loose teeth after scaling and root planing, especially if they have heavy tartar buildup.

Scaling and Root Planing
During deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), the dentist uses an instrument to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.

Why Do I Have Loose Teeth After Deep Cleaning?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth, which irritates the gums and causes them to become inflamed. You can read more about how can you get gingivitis.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that damage the tooth-supporting tissues. Periodontitis can cause loose teeth and tooth loss.

In advanced gum disease (periodontitis), the teeth become loose due to the destruction of the bone and tissues that support teeth. However, the heavy tartar buildup splints the loose teeth together. So, the loose teeth may appear to be stable and not loose. If the tartar is removed by deep cleaning, the teeth will become loose again. That is why some people may experience loose teeth after deep cleaning.

Will Loose Teeth Tighten Up After Deep Cleaning?

It depends on the severity of the damage to the bone and tissues that support the teeth. If the damage is mild to moderate, the loose teeth may tighten up after deep cleaning within a few weeks. However, if the damage is severe, the loose teeth may not tighten up and require further treatment.

Treatment Options

If you are experiencing loose teeth after deep cleaning, they may tighten up on their own over time. However, if the loose teeth are causing discomfort or are unstable, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatments:

  • Tooth splinting. A dental splint to hold the loose teeth together and stabilize them.
  • Flap surgery. Your dentist may raise the gum tissues and expose the roots for more effective scaling and root planing.
  • Gum grafting. Surgery to graft healthy gum tissue onto the affected area.
  • Bone grafting. It is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone in the jaw. You can read more about reversing periodontal disease bone loss.
  • Tooth Extraction. If the loose teeth are causing pain or are unstable, they may need to be extracted. Your dentist may recommend dental implants or bridges to replace the missing tooth/teeth.

So, if you are experiencing loose teeth after deep cleaning, don’t panic! There are several treatment options available that can restore your oral health. Talk to your dentist about the best course of treatment for you. And remember, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to visit your dentist for regular teeth cleaning.

Home Care Instructions for Loose Teeth After Deep Cleaning

If you are experiencing loose teeth after deep cleaning, your dentist may give you the following home-care instructions:

  • Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly to remove plaque and bacteria.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid further irritation of the gums.
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage your teeth and gums.
  • Quit smoking, as it can aggravate gum disease. You can read more about gingivitis from smoking.
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
  • Rinse your mouth with salt water or hydrogen peroxide to help relieve inflammation and discomfort.
  • Take the prescribed medications as directed.
  • Practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist for regular teeth cleanings.

Following these simple steps can help speed up the healing process and reduce the likelihood of loose teeth after professional cleaning.

Home care instructions for loose teeth after deep cleaning
Home care after deep cleaning can help speed up the healing process.

Conclusion

Gum disease can destroy the tooth-supporting tissues, leading to loose teeth. However, heavy tartar buildup can splint the loose teeth together and make them appear stable. If the tartar is removed by deep cleaning, the teeth will become loose again. That is why some people may experience loose teeth after deep cleaning.

Usually, loose teeth after deep cleaning will tighten up on their own over time. However, if the loose teeth are causing discomfort or are unstable, your dentist may recommend further treatment. Treatment options include tooth splinting, flap surgery, gum grafting, bone grafting, and tooth extraction.

Share This Post
Recent Posts

How Long Do White Fillings Last?

How long do white fillings last? Several factors can influence their lifespan, such as the type and location of filling. Learn more!
Editor's Pick
Related Posts

Wisdom Tooth Abscess

A wisdom tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by an infection in the tooth or surrounding gums. Learn about the causes & treatments.

Can You Get Dry Socket with Stitches?

Some people may get a dry socket after stitches following a tooth extraction. Learn about causes, treatment, managing the pain & prevention.

Toothache at Night Only

Do you experience a toothache at night only? Learn more about the possible causes, how to manage the pain, and treatment options.

Receding Gums Braces

Are you wearing braces and noticing receding gums? Learn the causes of receding gums while wearing braces, treatments, and prevention tips.