Scaling Post Op

Following Scaling and Root planing

It is usually done in sections. One half of the mouth is cleaned in one session & you will have to come back for the other half. First the teeth & the gums are anaesthetized then the teeth are cleaned using a combination of ultrasonic & hand instruments. It is normal to experience cold & hot sensitivity after the appointment. Your teeth may even be sensitive to chewing. Your gums will be sore and may bleed.

Sometimes your Periodontist may advise the placement of an antibiotic (arestin, perio-chip) in the pocket if it greater than 4mm. In that case, patients should postpone brushing for 12 hours and avoid the use of interproximal cleaning devices (flossing) for 10 days. Also patients should avoid eating hard, crunchy or sticky foods for 1 week.

After the completion of treatment it is important to follow good home care which includes regular brushing, flossing, using a mouth rinse (prescription or over the counter).Your Periodontist may put you on a 3 -4 month follow up care. Failure to comply with it will return your gum condition back to square one. Regular follow up care will create an environment for the gums and bone to heal and will prevent further destruction. Gum disease is a silent disease and the importance of follow up care cannot be overemphasized.

1. RINSING AND BRUSHING: Do not rinse today (drink fluids but don’t vigorously swish in the surgical area). Begin rinsing tomorrow with peridex two times a day. Do not brush in the area of the dressing but continue your regular oral hygiene in all areas of your mouth. If no dressing is placed, lightly brush the area, doing your best to keep the area as plaque-free as possible.
2. SWELLING: This sometimes follows these procedures and may last a few days but should be mild. Prolonged swelling should be reported to the office.
3. FOOD : During the healing period, a soft hamburger consistency diet should be eaten. Avoid chewing in the area of the surgery. Hot, spicy food, alcoholic beverages, and smoking should be avoided the day of the surgery. Particularly avoid coarse food items such as potato chips, popcorn, tacos, chips, etc.
4. SENSITIVITY: Tooth sensitivity (particularly to cold is a normal occurrence following periodontal surgery. It will usually decrease within a few weeks but may persist longer. Excellent plaque removal from the teeth surfaces will shorten this period of sensitivity.
5. MEDICATIONS: Pain: A certain amount of discomfort is to be expected. Tylenol or aspirin may be taken for discomfort following surgery. A prescription medication may have been provided. These medications should be taken only if you need them. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE. Antibiotics : A prescription for penicillin, erythromycin or tetracycline may have been prescribed. These should be taken accordingly to the directions until all are gone. If any unusual reaction occurs, discontinue the medication and contact the office as soon as possible.
6. The operated area may be covered by a surgical dressing for comfort and protection. The dressing generally remains in place for one week. It is not critical, the dressing remains for the entire week, but do your best to keep the area thoroughly rinsed of debris, if it should be lost.
7. Do not engage in strenuous activity for 48 hours following surgery.
8. BLEEDING: Slight oozing from the surgical area or blood tinged saliva may be noticed for 1-2 days following surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs, apply pressure with a moist gauze for 20 minutes (do not let up pressure for the 20 minutes period). Under no circumstances should you try to stop the bleeding by rinsing. Also, a moist tea bag applied to the surgical site may help to control the bleeding. If bleeding persists, contact the office.
9. RELAX: Healing usually occurs uneventfully following periodontal surgery. In the event of unusual symptoms, problems or question, do not hesitate to call the office.