Care Instructions, Surgery

What to expect following Scale and Root Planning Procedures

  • Bleeding: Small amounts of blood in the salvia can make your salvia appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day. After the procedure slight bleeding may occur while brushing as the tissue begin to heal.
  • Pain: Mild discomfort may be noticed when the anesthetic first wears off, and may continue for several days.
  • Swelling: Some swelling and discoloration of the gum tissue surrounding the area may occur and may last for a few days.
  • Sensation: As the tissue heals, some sensitivity to cold may occur. The teeth may also feel loose for a time.

What to do following the Scale and Root Planing Procedures:

  • Please do not use a straw or engage in forceful spitting or sucking through a straw for 72 hours.
  • After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.
  • If medication is prescribed, take is as prescribed. DO NOT exceed the dose on label.
  • Reduce nausea by preceding each pain pill with soft food, and taking the pill with a large glass of water.
  • Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods for two months.
  • Eat soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid spicy foods for 24-48 hours. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages for 48 hours.
  • Brush all of your teeth after each meal. Be gentle and clean thoroughly.
  • Smoking should be stopped following the procedure for a MINIMUM of 48 hours. Healing and success of procedure will be substantially reduced by the smoke chemicals in your body.
  • Comply with the use of any other oral hygiene aids that have be recommended.

Please call our office if you experience:

  • Your bite feels uneven 72 hours or more after procedure.
  • Low grade fever 24-48 hours after procedure.

Specialized instruments have been used to clean the areas under your gum tissues where calculus (tartar) buildup was present. These instruments are delicate enough to reach near the level of the bone surrounding your teeth. Over time and with good home care, we anticipate that your gum tissue will undergo significant healing. It may feel as if your teeth are getting worse before they get better; however, this is expected and viewed professionally as a good healing process.

Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort, and promote uneventful healing of the area. If any instructions are not followed, you may experience significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be affected.

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