Scaling and Root Planing Post-Care Instructions

In scaling and root planing, your hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your tooth root surfaces. 

First, your hygienist will scale beneath the gumline to remove plaque and other bacterial toxins from periodontal pockets. Root planing allows your periodontist to smooth the tooth root to prevent future plaque or toxins from adhering.

Many patients do not require additional treatment after scaling and root planing. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain periodontal health.

 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 on 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. If you are prescribed Peridex/Chlorhexidine, use as directed. 

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. Your gum health must be maintained with proper home care, as instructed, and regular dental visits. You may use a WaterPik if recommended. 

It is not unusual for the teeth to be more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, and/or sweets. This is normal. This occurs as the gum tissue heals and shrinks in size and should gradually resolve in a few weeks with proper home care. Consistently brushing two to three times daily with sensitivity toothpaste or using fluoride rinses may alleviate this over time. Avoid toothpastes with “whitening” or baking soda, as this will contribute to the problem. If sensitivity continues or is severe, professional application of a desensitizing agent may be required. 

Refrain from smoking for 24 to 48 hours after scaling and root planing as tobacco will delay healing of the tissues. Smoking cessation is highly recommended. You can expect to notice less redness, less bleeding, and less swelling of your gum tissues. Your teeth may feel smoother and your mouth will taste and feel better. We will look forward to seeing you for your regular periodontal maintenance to keep up with what we just accomplished together.  

Treating periodontal disease with scaling and root planing therapy in conjunction with laser technology is the very best that modern dentistry has to offer. The dental laser has been shown to eliminate periodontal infection and stimulate repair of the damaged bone and gum tissue. Treating your periodontal infection in this way has been shown to lower your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies, and possibly Alzheimer’s. 

Dental laser procedures result in little or no discomfort. Typically medication is not needed for pain management after laser therapy. However, if you receive laser therapy combined with scaling and root planing, Tylenol or ibuprofen will help relieve any discomfort you may experience afterwards. 

Laser therapy promotes profound healing of the gum tissues. Following these instructions will help maximize the benefits of the therapy provided by your hygienist:

For the first 24 hours after treatment: 

1. Avoid acidic, rough, or crunchy foods (chips and salsa, citrus fruits, crunchy breads, vinegar based sales or salad dressings, raw veggies, popcorn, nuts, etc).
2. Suggested foods during the first 24 hours after periodontal/laser therapy include pasta, eggs, soup fish, cooked veggies, roasted or baked meats, and yogurt.
3. You may resume your normal eating habits the next day following treatment.

After today’s therapy and for the next 7 days:

1. Clean your mouth and teeth using light, electric or manual brushing.
2. Place the toothbrush on the gums just below the tooth and carefully roll the bristles toward the chewing surfaces of the tooth.
3. DO NOT place the bristles of your toothbrush INTO the gums or BELOW the gumline.
4. Floss the treated areas with care to dislodge food and debris. Slide your floss gently in between the teeth, and avoid pushing the floss under your gums. 

Resume normal oral hygiene techniques beginning one week after treatment.