Scale & Root Planing Aftercare

One of the first steps to treating periodontal disease is to have a scaling and root planing mobile al by your dental professional. Left untreated, periodontal disease can have an impact on your overall health and even cause tooth loss. During your routine dental cleaning, your hygienist will measure the pockets between your teeth and gums. An ideal measurement is one to two millimeters but if they find that you have a lot of four to five millimeter pocket measurement, you may be a candidate for a deep cleaning.

Here, we will review what you may experience after receiving scaling and root planing as well as how best to keep up your freshly cleaned teeth and gums!

Discomfort and Appearance

You may have some irritation and inflamation for a few days following your treatment. This is normal and should subside as you heal. If you feel that you need it, over the counter pain medication can be taken.

As the inflamation calms down, you will likely notice more spacing between your teeth. This is a good thing! It means that the plaque that was caught between them is gone and you are well on your way to a healthier smile!

Bleeding and Tooth Sensitivity

For two or three days, you will likely have some bleeding during brushing which should deminish with each brushing. Sensitivity could be a little intense, especially temperature sensitivity. Your dentist may give you a toothpaste specifically for sensitivity which should help. Depending on the severity of your case, you may also be prescribed an antibiotic mouthwash and it is important and beneficial to use it as directed.

Minimizing Irritation

For a few days following your treatment, avoid hard and crunchy foods. Your gums are tender and crunchy food grinding into them will not feel good. Stick to softer foods those few days while you heal.

Oral Hygiene After Scaling and Root Planing

Your gum tissue is very likely to be tender so brushing with care is important. Being gentle but thorough will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy as they continue to heal from treatment. Using a warm salt water solution to rinse your mouth can feel nice and help reduce swelling. You can do this as often as you like for a couple of weeks. If you cannot manage salt water, ask your dentist for an antibacterial mouthwash if you were not already provided one.

Following through with recommended scaling and root planing can greatly reduce your risk of further infection and stop gum recession which could lead to bone and tooth loss. Once you have had your deep cleaning, be sure to maintain your recommended recare schedule so you do not fall back into periodontal disease. You may be visiting your dentists three to four time per year instead of the typical two, but prevention is easier and less costly than treatment. Don’t let your efforts go unchecked!

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