Periodontal Prophylaxis and/or Scaling and Root Planing - Lake Mary - Family Dental Care

Post-Operative Instructions

                                                                                                                                                                Periodontal prophylaxis and scaling and root planning therapies involve the removal of bacterial plaque and tartar from the root surface of the teeth, below the gum line with instruments and ultrasonic technology.  It is the goal of these procedures to allow reattachment of the gums to a clean root surface as well as shrink the periodontal pockets to levels that can be maintained by normal daily oral hygiene home care such as brushing and flossing. 

The following recommendations and instructions have been prepared for you in order to maximize healing, minimize any discomfort and guide you in what to expect during and after treatment therapies.

Please refrain from eating for at least 2 hours or until the numbness has completely gone and normal feeling is returned.

Avoid in the first 24 hours:

Vigorous exercise, but you may return to work

 Drinking through a straw or sucking motions

DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours. Tobacco use inhibits proper healing in the soft tissue.

Drinking alcoholic beverages (will retard the healing process)

 Foods that are very spicy or hot in temperature

Using strong mouthwashes containing alcohol

We recommend the following:

Use of non-aspirin analgesics (pain medicines) to relieve any tenderness or discomfort. We

recommend Ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Eat a well-balanced soft diet for today. You may chew on the opposite side of the treated area until

it is comfortable to chew normally.

Brush your teeth using a very light pressure in the treated area the first 2 days. Then begin

brushing and flossing normally on the third day or when you are able to tolerate normal force and

pressure.

After brushing and flossing, rinse with Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Peridex) for 60 seconds TWICE

DAILY, if it was prescribed for you by the Dentist.  Other mouth rinses we recommend are

Chloraseptic and Cepastat.

Several days after treatment, your gums should begin to:

Appear more pink and less red

Become less swollen and less painful

Bleed less upon flossing*

*These are signs of proper healing and you’re improving periodontal health.  If you are not seeing any marked improvements by this stage, please contact us at the office for an appointment for evaluation.

It is important that you return to our office for your follow-up appointments!

During this time, your periodontal tissues will be re-evaluated for the expected improvement and effectiveness of your oral home-care.  We will also determine the possible necessity of any further treatment and/or the recommended frequency of your future periodontal cleanings and examinations.

If prescription medications were prescribed please follow the instructions on the label those given to you by the doctor to the letter.  If you experience any unexpected side effects, please discontinue use and contact our office for assistance.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns. If you should require urgent assistance after hours, please call:  407-529-5681

Thank you for being a great patient!