Scaling and Root Planing Aftercare
Following your scaling and root planing procedure, your periodontist may provide aftercare instructions to ensure you reduce your risk of developing any complications. It is important to follow these instructions as closely as possible. Additionally, you may be prescribed antibiotics to reduce your risk of developing an infection. Be sure to take these as prescribed until the prescription has run out.
The most common issue that can occur following the scaling and root planing procedure is mild tenderness or discomfort, especially while eating. To help reduce this discomfort, follow a soft food diet for several days, sticking to foods like eggs, yogurt, or soups. As the tenderness subsides, you can begin resuming your normal eating routine.
Additional issues that may develop and steps you can take to address these issues include:
- Bleeding: It is normal to have mild bleeding for the first two or three days following your procedure, but this can usually be managed using a gauze pad. If bleeding persists beyond this point or seems unusually heavy, contact your periodontist.
- Jaw Discomfort: Although uncommon, some patients may develop pain in their jaw, which can also lead to earaches and/or headaches. Over-the-counter pain medication should be sufficient in managing this pain, but if it continues or intensifies, a follow-up appointment may be necessary.
- Pain and Swelling: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication in combination with ice pack therapy should help manage discomfort during the first few days following your scale and root planing procedure.
- Tooth sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods or beverages may occur for the first few days following your procedure, but should disappear within one week.
- Sensitivity while brushing: Practice gentle brushing over the area(s) where the scale and root planing procedure was performed. A soft-bristle toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste may also be helpful during your initial recovery period.
- Fever: While unlikely, some patients may develop a slight fever following the scale and root planing procedure. To address this and all other symptoms, be sure to rest as much as possible. If at any point you are concerned that your healing process does not appear to be progressing, contact your periodontist.
Taking Good Care of Your Oral Health
Oftentimes a scaling and root planing procedure is performed to treat periodontal disease. Although periodontal disease can occur for a variety of reasons, the most common is due to poor oral hygiene habits, lifestyle habits, or a combination of both. Fortunately, the scaling and root planing procedure is a very effective treatment for periodontal disease, especially if caught in the early stages. Unfortunately, periodontal disease will quickly return if patients do not practice good self-care. To avoid needing this or other procedures in the future, make sure to follow good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily and scheduling regular exams with your periodontist. This also means living a healthy lifestyle by avoiding things like tobacco use or excessive consumption of alcohol. It is also important to limit your consumption of foods that are sugary or starchy. By following these steps, you will enjoy good oral health for many years to come.