After Hygiene and Gum Treatment
For anyone after professional cleaning or deep cleaning: what to expect with gum shrinkage and sensitivity, and NHS guidance on when symptoms need a dentist, urgent care or A&E.
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Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door
CQC & GDC registered
No referral needed
Clinically reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, dentist · GDC 301711
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not replace an examination or treatment by a dentist.
This page is reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, the practice's principal dentist and a General Dental Practitioner (GDC 301711). His qualifications are BDS, BSc (Hons), MSc (Leeds), PG Dip Implant Dentistry and PG Cert Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry.
What does this aftercare section cover?
This aftercare section covers what to expect after professional or deep cleaning, and when to get help. For treatment itself, go to the treatments pages and browse this section; for daily home care of your gums, the prevention pages set out the options in this section.
Recovery after deep cleaning
Gums may shrink as they become healthier after deep cleaning, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust explains. As swelling reduces and gums shrink, you might notice new spaces between teeth or teeth that look longer. Read about recovery after deep cleaning.
Sensitivity after professional cleaning
Teeth may become sensitive after professional removal of plaque and calculus, SDCEP guidance notes. It asks the dental team to assess whether sensitivity comes from cleaning or another cause, so tell a dentist if you notice it. Read about sensitive teeth after professional cleaning.
To ask about hygiene and gum treatment, book online or call 0114 288 2121.
When do sore gums after cleaning need a dentist?
NHS pages on gum disease, toothache and dental abscess include these actions. If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment, call 111 or visit 111 online.
- Painful, swollen gums: see a dentist.
- Gum disease and other symptoms such as very sore and swollen gums, teeth becoming loose or falling out, ulcers or red patches in your mouth, or a lump in your mouth or on your lip: ask for an urgent dentist appointment.
- Toothache lasting more than 2 days, not going away when you take painkillers, or with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums, a bad taste in your mouth or a swollen cheek or jaw: see a dentist.
- Toothache with swelling around your eye or neck, or swelling in your mouth or neck making it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak: go to A&E or call 999 for an ambulance, and do not drive yourself.
- If you think you have a dental abscess: ask for an urgent dentist appointment or get help from NHS 111. Call 999 or go to A&E if it is hard to breathe, speak, swallow or open your mouth, you have a swollen or painful eye, you suddenly have problems with your eyesight, or you have a lot of swelling in your mouth. Do not drive to A&E.
Frequently asked questions
Should you see a GP about toothache or a dental abscess?
No. NHS guidance says not to go to a GP with toothache or a dental abscess, because a GP will not be able to give you dental treatment. Contact a dentist instead, or find a dentist near you and ask if you can have an emergency appointment.
Is deep cleaning different from other professional cleaning?
Yes. SDCEP guidance separates cleaning the crowns of the teeth from cleaning root surfaces below the gum line. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust describes deep cleaning as removing calculus above and below the gum line, usually with local anaesthetic to numb the gums.
Do you need to register to book a hygiene appointment?
No. At Deepcar Dental Care, a hygiene appointment can be booked without registering as a patient, and online through the booking portal. Direct access means you can book without seeing a dentist first. Hygiene appointments last 30 to 60 minutes.
Book a consultation.
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Book online or call 0114 288 2121. The practice's hygiene appointments have their own page.
334 Manchester Road
Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2RH
0114 288 2121
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Opening hours
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door