Scaling & Root Planing Post-Op

You may take an over-the-counter pain reliever for any tenderness or discomfort. Take ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) unless you have medical conditions or allergies.

After scaling and root planing, avoid eating anything in the area being treated for two hours or until the anesthetic has worn off completely. It is easy to bite or burn your cheek, tongue or lip while numb.

Avoid any hard foods such as tortilla chips, potato chips, popcorn, or seeds for the next several days.

To help soothe the area, rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with warm salt water rinses.

Resume your home care regimen of brushing twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and daily flossing immediately, but be gentle with the area recently treated.

Refrain from smoking for 24 to 48 hours after scaling and root planing as tobacco will delay healing of the tissues.

You can expect to notice less redness, less bleeding, and less swelling of your gum tissues. As tissues tighten and heal you may notice more of the root of your tooth being exposed, this is normal.

Tooth sensitivity is normal and usually resolves in 2-3 weeks, this occurs as the gum tissue heals and shrinks in size and should gradually resolve. Avoid cold foods and drinks, and use sensitive toothpaste while experiencing sensitivity.

We look forward to seeing you for your regular periodontal maintenance to keep up with what we just accomplished.