Home Care Instructions After Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling & Root Planing post op woman holding glass and brush
  • It is advised you wait until the local anesthetic (numbing) wears off before you eat anything. This typically takes 1-2 hours.
  • You may experience slight tenderness of the gums. Over the counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol can help with this.
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks can be normal for a short time. Anti-sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne can be beneficial for this.
  • Warm saltwater rinses (1 cup warm water with 1 tsp salt) can help soothe the tissue and promote healing.
  • Brush and clean between your teeth tonight and tomorrow morning even if the tissues are sore to help reduce the buildup of new bacteria in areas that were just cleaned.
  • You may have some slight gum bleeding following the procedure and this can be normal. It should reduce over the next couple of days as the gums heal.
  • You will likely have a re-evaluation appointment scheduled in the next 6-12 weeks.

Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns regarding your healing after your appointment.