POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCALING AND ROOT PLANNING

Scaling and root planning is a non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease. The purpose of the treatment is to remove bacterial plaque and tartar from around the teeth and under the gum line, which is causing bone loss. The goal of this treatment is to produce clean, smooth roots, which will promote healing of the inflammation and infection that causes gum disease.

These are some helpful suggestions that will increase your comfort and help you receive the maximum benefit from periodontal treatment. 

Your gums may be tender following the treatment you received today. The following procedures will help you feel more comfortable:

1. Rinse with warm salt water once or twice a day for the first day or two (about 1 tsp salt to ½ cup warm water). If you are prescribed Peridex/Chlorhexidine, use as directed. 

2. Avoid eating anything in the treatment area for the next two hours or until the anesthetic has worn off completely to avoid biting and injuring your cheek, tongue or lips. Avoid any spicy seasonings or hard “chippy” foods over the next several days. 

3. Take an over-the-counter medicine containing ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) – 1 tablet every 4 hours for the next two days if needed. If you are allergic to ibuprofen or aspirin, you should take Tylenol instead but be aware of overdosing.

Some slight bleeding may occur during the next couple days but should steadily decrease after two or three days. Your teeth may be sensitive to temperature changes and/or sweets. This sensitivity may be intense at first but will usually diminish over a few days or weeks. If needed, you can use desensitizing toothpastes such as Crest Sensitivity, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, or Sensodyne. Avoid toothpastes with whitening or baking soda, this may increase sensitivity. 

4. Clean your teeth well brushing two times a day with a soft brush and cleaning in between the teeth with floss every day. Removing bacterial plaque everyday is the best way to ensure your gums will heal. Initially, you may experience mild tenderness and bleeding – this is normal. 

5. If pain, bleeding or sensitivity persists, contact our office for assistance. 

Smoking should be stopped, especially 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Tobacco will substantially reduce the success of the treatment and will delay healing of the tissues. 

Patients occasionally develop a periodontal abscess following scaling and root planning. If you notice a painful swelling on your gums, contact our office immediately. 

It is extremely important to return for your follow up “re-evaluation” appointment, free of charge, 4-6 weeks after all scaling and root planning treatment has been completed. This way we can monitor your healing, progress and make recommendations on further treatment if needed. 

Thank you for coming in today and please contact our office if you have any other questions or experience any problems during the healing process.