I think the hygienist permanently damaged my gums. She dug so deeply beneath my gums that they were bleeding throughout the appointment. I’ve never had to rinse my teeth so much. It felt like she was slicing my gums repeatedly. She said I had a lot of tartar that looked like it had been there for years. The appointment was so long. I wanted to leave, but I was afraid she might be right. Could I have permanent gum damage? – Thanks. Antonio from VA
Antonio,
A few minutes in the hygiene chair is not enough time to complete a thorough, clinically sound cleaning. To protect your oral health, a hygienist must meticulously scale away complex calculus from beneath the gumline, a process that generally requires 40 to 60 minutes. If your past cleanings were brief, you likely had significant buildup that your most recent hygienist worked hard to remove.
Managing Bleeding and Sensitivity
Gums with long-time hardened deposits will inevitably bleed during a proper cleaning. The removal of these irritants addresses the underlying inflammation caused by years of inadequate hygiene.
- Subgingival cleaning: Removing debris beneath the gums is the only way to stop the progression of periodontal disease.
- Bone preservation: Frequent, thorough cleanings prevent bone recession.
- Temporary vs. permanent damage: Scratches to the soft tissue heal quickly, but bone loss caused by ignored calculus cannot be reversed.
Choosing the Right Hygienist
The hygienist who spent time cleaning your teeth thoroughly did you a great favor, even if the experience was uncomfortable. She likely addressed damage that had been accumulating from your previous, less thorough hygiene appointments. I suggest you continue seeing this hygienist to ensure your gums and the underlying bone remain stable and healthy.
Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.
