ACTIVITY: After leaving our dental office today, we suggest you consider relaxing or at least limiting your activity as much as possible for an hour or two. Avoid strenuous activity and all aerobic exercise today like jogging, tennis, racket ball or lifting of heavy items et al.
ORAL HYGIENE: Brushing and oral hygiene procedures should be done as usual in all areas of your mouth. Removing all plaque from your teeth and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste or fluoride that we may have prescribed or given to you will usually reduce or eliminate this sensitivity in a few days.
You should floss as your normally would but try to be more gentle on your gums. Also, please using a soft bristle toothbrush will help with gum discomfort. We recommend that you rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with a dilute solution of warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of comfortably hot water).
Do this today and tomorrow. Using too strong a salt water solution or using it more frequently can increase discomfort in your gums.
DISCOMFORT: Some discomfort may be present when the anesthesia wears off. Usually, a couple of Tylenol or Advil will eliminate any discomfort. Sensitivity of the gums or teeth to cold or touch is common. This should go away in a day or two. Should intense discomfort occur at any time after this procedure, please call our office. Salt water rinsing as described above will usually minimize the possibility of gum swelling after this procedure or can help reduce it if it occurs.
INFECTION: If you notice that after a few days, pain or swelling are increasing or that you are experiencing an elevated temperature, please call our office.
SWELLING: Swelling of your face or of your gums after this procedure is not common and should be reported to our office.
BLEEDING: Slight bleeding may continue for a few hours after this procedure. This is not unusual and should stop. If bleeding persists beyond a few hours, please call our office. Most of the red color you may see in your mouth is actually a little bit of blood mixed with a lot of saliva. Blood is a very strong “dye” and a little bit of blood will color your saliva dramatically.
EATING AND DRINKING: Do not try to eat until all the anesthesia (numbness) has worn off. Your first meal should be soft. Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, very hot or very cold foods or liquids. Also, avoid nuts, chips, popcorn, hard bread, or other crunchy or fibrous foods that may become caught between your teeth. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages today.
FOLLOW-UP VISIT: At your follow-up appointment, Dr. Dean will be checking to make sure the gums are reattaching to your teeth and that there is no development of an infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is usually not very painful. We numb your gums with local anesthesia, so you should feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you might have some tenderness or sensitivity. However, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Most people find that any discomfort is manageable and doesn’t last long.
How long does it take to recover from scaling and root planing?
Recovery from scaling and root planing usually takes a few days to a week. During this time, you might experience some gum soreness or sensitivity. Most people feel back to normal within a week. Good oral hygiene and following our instructions can help you heal faster.
Can scaling and root planing reverse gum disease?
Scaling and root planing can treat early-stage gum disease. It removes plaque and tartar below the gum line. This procedure can halt gum disease progression and promote healing. However, it can’t reverse advanced gum damage. Regular maintenance is important to prevent recurrence.
Does insurance cover scaling and root planing?
Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing. Providers usually consider it a necessary treatment for gum disease. Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80%. Some plans may have frequency limitations or require pre-authorization. Check with your insurance provider for details on your plan. We can also help verify your coverage.
Are there any side effects of scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing may cause temporary sensitivity. Your gums might feel sore for a few days. Some patients also experience minor swelling or bleeding. These effects usually subside within a day or two. Serious complications are rare. We will provide aftercare instructions to manage any discomfort.
Do gums grow back after scaling and root planing?
No, gums don’t grow back in the sense of regenerating lost tissue. However, scaling and root planing can help your gums reattach to your teeth where they have pulled away due to gum disease. This reduces pocket depths and makes your gums healthier. Keeping up with good oral hygiene helps maintain these improvements.
We want your treatment to provide as positive a healing experience as possible. If you are having any problems or have any questions not covered in these guidelines, please feel free to call the office at any time. D. Bradley Dean, DDS can be reached after hours at 1-866-248-8350.