Scale & Root Planing Aftercare

Following your san rafael scaling and root planing procedure, it is common to experience mild discomfort or soreness during the recovery process. It is also common to experience some bleeding and swelling. To help reduce this discomfort and ensure a speedy recovery, be sure to follow these post-procedural self-care instructions.

Relieving Pain and Discomfort

Immediately following the scaling and root planing procedure, patients will typically experience an aching or throbbing sensation, which typically subsides in a few hours. During the initial recovery process, patients may take non-aspirin analgesic or acetaminophen to reduce pain and discomfort.

Oral Hygiene

Any pain or discomfort that occurs while brushing your teeth will typically be gone within the first few days. During this time, your periodontist may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste and/or a prescription mouthwash to keep your gums clean. The use of these prescription mouthwashes is typically limited to one or two weeks.

While recovering and your gums are tender, it is a good idea to practice gentle brushing techniques until the tenderness subsides. Patients can typically begin resuming normal brushing within three or four days following the procedure.

Alleviating Tooth Sensitivity

Some patients will experience extreme sensitivity to foods that are sweet or hot or cold, but this typically goes away within the first three weeks.

Stopping Bleeding

Mild bleeding may occur while brushing your teeth, but this typically corrects itself within the first three days.

Jaw Discomfort

Although uncommon, occasionally patients will experience discomfort in their jaw associated with earaches and/or headaches. This can typically be alleviated with over the counter pain relieving medication, but if the problem persists, contact your periodontist.

Fever

Patients may experience chills due to a low-grade fever following the scale and root planing procedure, but this is also uncommon. This can typically be treated by resting, hydrating, and if necessary, taking Tylenol to reduce the fever.

Modifying Your Diet

It may not be necessary to make any changes to your normal eating routine unless the scaling and root planing procedure was extensive, in which case, you should plan on sticking to a soft food diet for a few days following the procedure until any pain or sensitivity has gone away.

Moving Forward

Once you have completed the healing process, you will notice that your gums are less red and swollen, and are also less prone to bleeding. This is an indication that the scaling and root planing procedure was a success and your gums are now in a healthy state. To preserve the health of your gums, the most important aftercare step you can follow is to continue practicing good oral health care at home. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily and avoid eating foods that are starchy and/or sugary.

It is also important to continue scheduling regular visits to your periodontist for deep cleanings and examinations. By scheduling these regular visits, you will be able to prevent plaque from hardening into calculus and will significantly reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

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