Your smile may experience gaps after a deep cleaning, which can be pretty shocking if you didn’t notice the space in your teeth before the procedure. However, gaps in teeth after deep cleaning is nothing to worry about.
In most cases, eliminating calcified tartar and eroding gum inflammation will reveal spaces that you already had.
As gum inflammation subsides and the tissue decreases, the gum line can move to a healthier place. Pre-existing gum recession or bone loss, as well as the existing gap between teeth, will also influence your smile in the end.
So, should you worry? Not necessarily. This blog will enlighten why you may be seeing these gaps, whether they are something that will last forever, and how you can go about making your gums healthier.
What Is Deep Cleaning and Why Is It Done?
Deeper cleaning also referred to as root planning or scaling is used to clean plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Regular cleanings don’t go down this far, which is where bacteria can lead to inflammation of the gum tissues and periodontal disease.
During the treatment at the best dental clinic in Patna, Dr. Aishwarya will clear away the deposits and sometimes polish the roots of the teeth.
Deep cleaning can help:
- Remove plaque and tartar
- Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
- Clean deeper gum pockets
- Support healthier gum attachment
Later on, for example, sensitivity and tenderness temporarily appear. Additionally, gaps in teeth after plaque removal may be apparent until the swollen gums finally contract during healing.
Why Do Gaps Appear After Deep Cleaning?
Noticing gaps between your teeth after deep cleaning can be worrying. However, the procedure does not usually create new gaps. Instead, removing buildup and reducing gum swelling can make existing spaces more visible.
Tartar Was Hiding the Space
During a cleaning, tartar may be present between teeth and at the gumline, which can fill-in those natural gaps. As a result, gaps may appear wider after the cleaning.
So, after the dentist has taken away the tartar build-up, you can see the space underneath. And as the inflamed gums start to go down, the bottom of your gums will recess, exposing more of the tooth. That gap that looks like a new one is probably just an old one uncovered.
Gum Swelling Goes Down
Before treatment, gums that are inflamed tend to appear red, swollen and even puffy. As we clean away plaque and tartar from the tooth’s surface inflammation begins to subside. The gum line will appear more streamlined and more of the tooth is visible.
However, gum swelling after a root canal does not necessarily mean that it is part of the cleaning process. Continued gum swelling after a RCT could be a sign of ongoing inflammation or even infection, and should be evaluated by a dentist.
As a result, spaces that were hidden by swollen gum tissue can look wider. This change is often part of the healing process, rather than a sign that the cleaning damaged your teeth.
Existing Gum Recession
If your gums have begun to recede, deep cleaning may result in greater recession of your gums becoming visible. Once the swollen gum tissue begins to shrink, more of your teeth may be uncovered around the gumline. This can give the appearance of greater space between teeth.
However, cleaning does not necessarily cause a recession. Existing gum disease, brushing too hard, or other gum problems may have contributed to it earlier.
Previous Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause the tissue that anchors teeth in their sockets to recede. This may lead to increased gaps between teeth following deep cleaning, once the gums have begun to shrink back to their normal size.
If the supporting bone has also been compromised by the disease, the gaps may be more prominent than they were before treatment. Don’t write off an increasing gap if you have bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth.
Natural Spacing Between Teeth
Others have small gaps between the teeth due to the natural shape and size of the teeth or jawbone structure. A slight swelling of the gums or the accumulation of tartar can make the space less obvious.
After cleaning off the buildup, the gum flattens back down to its normal position, and it becomes clear that the space was there before. This can give the illusion that a new void has appeared.
Thus, not all gaps after teeth cleaning in Patna mean that it caused harm.
If the holes between the teeth are further increasing or you’re experiencing bleeding, swelling, pain, or loose teeth, then you should consult Dr. Aishwarya.
Are These Gaps Permanent?
Some spaces are temporary. As the gum heals and the inflammation reduces, spacing may not seem so obvious anymore.
If swollen or tartar-covered gums were covering the space, the change just may indicate that gums are moving to a healthier position. However, gaps resulting from gum recession or bone deterioration of the support system may not close without treatment.
The dentist will then examine the gums and teeth as well as stability of the teeth and the underlying support to provide the best treatment.
Solutions to Fix Gaps After Deep Cleaning
After the root of the issue causing the gap has been established, your dentist will advise you on what type of treatment you should have. The following treatments may be used to treat your current teeth and gum condition:
- Dental bonding: Small spaces between teeth can be filled using a tooth-colored composite material and molded into the correct shape on the sides of teeth.
- Braces or clear aligners: To close large gaps between teeth caused by tooth position, these treatments slowly move teeth into place.
- Dental veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells that can be used to disguise unsightly gaps between teeth.
- Dental crowns: In order to fill or crown a damaged tooth a dental crowns can also fill visible space between teeth.
- Gum treatment: Treatment of gum disease may be required before any cosmetic treatment can be considered if the space between the teeth is caused by gum disease or recession.
The correct solution will be determined by the cause and extent of the space, and by its position. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Preventive Strategies for Lasting Oral Health
Maintaining proper oral hygiene can reduce the chances of a gum issue occurring and a new hole becoming more obvious.
Here are the tips for healthy teeth and gums that helps you to achieve a confident smile. Make these part of your everyday care routine:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental brush.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks that can encourage plaque buildup.
- Attend regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings when recommended.
- Follow your dentist’s advice after deep cleaning, especially if you have gum disease.
Regular cleaning is important for that reason as plaque can redevelop following a professional cleaning. If bleeding, swelling, difficulty in eating or the gaps in your teeth get worse then this might be a problem that your dentist needs to be contacted about and not you trying to sort it out.
Why Choose Dr. Aishwarya?
Noticeable gaps between teeth after dental cleaning? Get a dental checkup and find out what’s changed.
At Dr. Aishwarya B.D.S., M.D.S. (Gold Specialist), we can assess your gum health, tooth spacing and dental alignment before we recommend you any dental treatment.
- Experienced Dental Care with Dr. Aishwarya.
- Get the best possible treatment for each individual dental problem of our patients.
- Careful evaluation of gum condition and supporting tissues
- Our wide range of dental care includes Prevention / Gum care, Restorative and Cosmetic dental treatments.
- Clear explanation for the patient about the dental treatment options.
We strive to provide you with the best dental treatment in order to have healthy gums, strong teeth and a beautiful smile.
Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Smile
After deep cleaning, you may notice that there are spaces in between your teeth. You might be worried that you’ve done something wrong, but often these spaces will be much more apparent while the gums heal and shrink.
However, if the gap continues to increase or you see bleeding, swelling, pain and teeth becoming loose then it’s worth seeking dental help. Your dentist will be able to look at your gums and teeth, tell you what the space is caused by and recommend treatment if it’s appropriate.
Addressing the problem early on can save you from long term issues with your gums, teeth and smile.
When in doubt, a quick dental exam at Dr. Aishwarya B.D.S., M.D.S. (Gold Medalist) can be just the answer you need.
FAQ’s
If you still have concerns about gaps after cleaning, consult your dentist for a personalized evaluation of your teeth and gum health.
Why do my teeth have gaps after scaling?
Gaps may look more visible after scaling because tartar is removed and swollen gums settle as they heal.
Do teeth go back to normal after deep cleaning?
Some spaces may look smaller as the gums heal, but gaps caused by gum recession or bone loss may not close on their own.
How much does a teeth cleaning cost in Patna?
The teeth cleaning cost in Patna typically start from ₹500 to ₹3,000, depending on the clinic and the condition of your teeth.
