How Long For Gums To Reattach After Deep Cleaning?

Jan 21

Summary
• What is deep cleaning: Periodontal deep cleaning (root planing) removes bacteria from beneath the gum line to stop infection and allow gum tissue to reattach or "snug" back up against the teeth.
• Recovery timeline: While your mouth should feel "normal" within 1 to 2 weeks, the actual reattachment of gum fibers and shrinking of pocket depths takes 4 to 6 weeks.
• Healing tips: To ensure successful healing, use a soft-bristled brush, avoid sharp or spicy foods for 48 hours, and refrain from tobacco use, which can prevent gums from reattaching properly.

For those with periodontal issues, deep cleaning provides a middle ground solution that is more thorough and effective than standard tooth cleaning but not nearly as invasive as traditional gum surgery. While we are periodontal experts, primarily concerned with providing the best possible gum care for our patients, we also seek to ensure that the treatment we provide interrupts our patients’ lives as little as possible.

How long for gums to reattach after deep cleaning?

If you are considering periodontal deep cleaning, you might be wondering, “Once the deep cleaning is finished, how long does it take for my gums to reattach?” We will focus this article on answering that very question. We hope to put your mind at ease by thoroughly explaining the procedure and providing a realistic recovery timeline.

What exactly is a deep cleaning?

In periodontal terms, we call the deep cleaning procedure “Root Planing”. Unlike a regular cleaning that focuses on the surfaces of the teeth above the gum line, a deep cleaning goes beneath the surface to remove hardened bacteria called plaque and tartar.

Root Planing Procedure: We smooth out the roots of your teeth by removing plaque and tartar. When the roots are smooth, it is much harder for bacteria to stick to them, and much easier for your gum tissue to "snug" back up against the tooth. The result is an effective treatment for periodontal recession, also known as loose gums.

Why is this procedure necessary?

When you have periodontal disease, the "pockets" (the space between the tooth and the gum) become too deep to clean with a toothbrush and floss. Bacteria settle in these pockets, causing inflammation that destroys the gum tissue that holds the gums tight against your teeth and the bone that holds your teeth tightly in place. A deep cleaning is one of the best ways to stop this progression and to save your smile.

Recovery time: what to expect

Root planning recovery doesn’t happen all at one time. In fact, you will experience some healing right away, while most of the recovery occurs over time without you even realizing it. So, your mouth will probably feel back to normal in a few days, but it will take additional time for all of the tissue to heal completely.

The first 24 - 48 hours

You will likely experience some minor swelling, tooth sensitivity, and perhaps light bleeding when you brush. This is a normal part of the inflammatory response as your body begins to heal. During this time, it’s important to take it easy and avoid applying unnecessary pressure while brushing.

1 to 2 weeks

By this point, any soreness should be gone. The gum tissue will begin to change from a puffy, bright red to a healthy, firm pink. This is the stage where the "initial" healing of the soft tissue occurs, and when you will likely feel like your mouth is back to normal.

4 to 6 weeks: the reattachment phase

It takes about four to six weeks for the gum fibers to tighten and for the pocket depths to shrink. During your follow-up appointment, we will measure these pockets again to confirm that the tissue has reattached and that the gum infection is no longer active.

Tips for a smoother, faster recovery

You play a significant role in how quickly your gums heal. Here is how you can speed up the process:

• Be gentle but consistent when brushing: Don’t stop brushing! Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be very gentle around the treated areas. Keeping the area free of new plaque is vital for reattachment and for preventing a reappearance of the gum infection.

• Watch your diet: Avoid sharp foods (like chips or nuts) and extremely hot or spicy foods for the first 48 hours. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, pasta, oatmeal, or smoothies.

• Avoid tobacco: Smoking significantly slows down the healing process and can prevent the gums from reattaching properly. If there was ever a time to cut back, it’s now.

• Manage sensitivity: If your teeth feel sensitive to cold, use a desensitizing toothpaste (such as Sensodyne) for a few weeks after the procedure.

Let's Get Things Started

A periodontal deep cleaning is an excellent step toward getting your smile back on track. It treats the underlying gum infection and helps encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth. A strong connection between the gums and teeth, along with regular teeth cleanings, is essential to preventing periodontal disease and keeping your teeth healthy for years to come.

Shaunda Thomas