Instructions For Patients Following Scaling and Root Planning

Please read and follow these procedures. They will make you more comfortable and will help to prevent any possible complications.

Care of your mouth

Start brushing, flossing, and continuing your prescribed oral hygiene regimen immediately. Brush twice daily, floss
once daily. You may have to go easy at first, but make every effort to keep your mouth plaque free. We recommend rinsing your mouth several times on the day of treatment, with warm salt water (use 1/4 tsp salt to 8 oz of warm water). A chlorhexidine rinse may be prescribed and should be used twice daily until gone. After finishing chlorhexidine rinse, we suggest using Crest Pro Health or Listerine mouth rinse twice daily unless otherwise instructed.

Discomfort

Some discomfort is expected when the anesthesia wears off. Usually acetaminophen or ibuprofen tablets will eliminate any discomfort and help with any swelling/inflammation. Sensitivity to cold or touch may temporarily occur. Removing all plaque from the tooth surfaces and brushing with a sensitive toothpaste and/or prescription fluoride will usually reduce or eliminate sensitivity.

Eating

Refrain from chewing until anesthetic wears off (milkshakes, yogurt and pudding are fine). Your next meal should be soft. Avoid any hard, gritty foods such as peanuts, popcorn, chips or hard bread for the next 3-4 days. Also, it is best to avoid hot, spicy foods and alcohol for at least 24 hours.

Bleeding

Slight bleeding may continue for several hours following the procedure. This is not unusual and should stop. If bleeding persists, apply a moistened tea bag (not herbal tea) or moistened gauze to the area with firm but gentle pressure for 5 minutes; let rest for 15 minutes, then repeat for a second time. If excessive bleeding continues, please call the office.

Smoking

Please refrain from smoking for 24 hours or longer after scaling and root planing procedures. Tobacco/Nicotine use interferes with the healing. (This would be an excellent time to quit smoking).