AFTER SCALING AND ROOT PLANING INSTRUCTIONS
Scaling and root planing is a procedure wherein, your periodontist will numb your gum tissue and clean out the infection from within the gum pocket and from the root surface. Following scaling and root planing, you can expect to notice less redness, bleeding and swelling of your gum tissue. Your gum health can then be maintained with proper home care and regular professional care. During the healing process, a few transient symptoms may be noticed as below
Discomfort/pain
A mild discomfort may be felt, sometimes associated with slight throbbing or aching immediately after treatment. This discomfort usually subsides in a few hours. Any discomfort due to brushing should get better in one to two days.
Tooth sensitivity
Sensitivity of teeth to temperature changes is fairly common, following root planning and is usually intense the first few days and usually diminishes quickly.
Bleeding
Some slight bleeding may occur during initial few brushings but the bleeding should steadily decrease over two or three days.
Appearance
Root surfaces may be more exposed as the swelling of the inflamed gum tissue reduces and the gum tissue shrinks. The level of gum tissue depends on the height of remaining bone around these teeth.
INSTRUCTIONS TO MINIMIZE SYMPTOMS:
Root surfaces may be more exposed as the swelling of the inflamed gum tissue reduces and the gum tissue shrinks. The level of gum tissue depends on the height of remaining bone around these teeth.
Diet / Eating
If extensive root planing was performed, chewing hard foods, such as meat or raw vegetables, may be uncomfortable. This should last no longer than a few days. A diet of a softer consistency would be advised until chewing becomes more comfortable.
Discomfort/pain/sensitivity
If a local anesthetic was used, avoid chewing foods until feeling returns to avoid injury to the tongue or cheeks. Warm salt water rinses will help with tissue soreness. Ibuprofen or a non-aspirin analgesic should be taken as needed to reduce discomfort. If tooth sensitivity persists, use a desensitizing toothpaste containing potassium nitrate. If the sensitivity is severe and prolonged, professional application of a desensitizing agent may be required.
Oral hygiene
If gum tissues are tender, brush your teeth gently, but thoroughly; this may take a little more time than normal. By the 3rd or 4th day, normal oral hygiene techniques can be resumed. Mouth rinsing is recommended with either of the following solutions:
(1) an antimicrobial rinse, or
(2) a warm saline rinse. Use of these rinses should be limited to one or 2 consecutive weeks.
Special-instructions
If symptoms are severe or persistent, or if an abscess should appear, please call the office immediately.