Is it normal to experience pain after a dental cleaning? If the pain isn’t caused by the dental cleaning then why has the pain only started after the procedure? Before a dental cleaning the gums and the teeth are covered by a thick layer of dental calculus and once the scale and polish is complete the gums will be sensitive.

Pain after a scale and polish is normal?

For patients who have never had a professional clean then there will be a lot more dental calculus and after the cleaning is complete the sensitivity and pain will subside in a week. During this period it’s best to avoid food that is too hot or cold. If the pain is causing too much discomfort then you should switch to using toothpaste which is used for sensitive teeth to try and alleviate the symptoms.

What causes the pain after a dental cleaning?

What patients need to understand is the pain after a dental cleaning is not caused by the cleaning itself but by the dental calculus. If you experience pain for over a week then you should make an appointment to see your dentist to check if there are any other dental problems.

1. Gingivitis or Periodontitis: Gingivitis is where the gums become inflamed and causes bleeding. However, if gingivitis progresses into periodontitis then gum pockets will form and the gums will become swollen and in serious cases it can cause the teeth to become loose and could lead to the eventual loss of the tooth.

2. Wisdom Teeth Infection: Wisdom teeth infection are more easily diagnosed as it will cause the face to swell and the surrounding gums become inflamed. However, a x-ray will have to be done to make sure that the diagnosis is correct.

3. Cavities: In most cases cavities to have any symptoms to begin with and once it starts to progressively get worse there will be sensitivity to hot and cold. In worst case scenario then it can lead to pulpitis and periodontitis and the pain of the toothache is excruciating.