Post-Care “Dental Hygiene Therapy Session” (Root Planing)

Scaling and Root Planing Instructions: Please read and follow these procedures. They will make you more comfortable and will help to prevent any possible complications. Scaling and root planing: A regular preventative cleaning removes only soft sticky plaque that is above the gum. Scaling and root planing are done to remove tartar or hard crusty calculus that is loaded with bacteria, around and below the gum. It is a method of treating gum disease when pockets have formed around the teeth. Scaling is a procedure that meticulously removes contamination, toxins, micro-organisms, plaque, tartar, and calculus that has permeated around and below the gum line in order to obtain a healing response. Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth with a curette so the gum tissue can more firmly reattach to roots that are clean and smooth to prevent tooth loss and sensitivity problems. The procedure makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate on the root surfaces. Because this procedure goes deeper than a regular cleaning, your cleaning will usually take two visits to complete depending on the extent of the disease. Care of your mouth: Start brushing, flossing, and continue your prescribed oral hygiene regime immediately. 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 (1/4 teaspoon salt in a glass of water). Discomfort: Some discomfort is expected when the anesthesia wears off. Usually, a couple of acetaminophen or ibuprofen will eliminate any discomfort. Sensitivity to cold or touch may temporarily occur. Removing all plaque from the tooth surfaces and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste or fluoride that we may prescribe will usually reduce or eliminate sensitivity in a day or two. Eating: Your next meal should be soft. Avoid any hard, gritty foods such as peanuts, popcorn, chips, and hard bread for at least 3-4 days. Also, it is best to avoid hot, spicy foods and alcohol for 24 hours. Bleeding: Slight bleeding may continue for several hours following the procedure. This is not unusual and should stop. If bleeding persists beyond a few hours, please call our office. Swelling: Very seldom does swelling occur. If it does, rinse your mouth every couple of hours with warm salt water. Smoking: Please refrain from smoking for 24 hours or longer after scaling and root planing procedures. Tobacco use interferes with healing.