Is Scaling and Root Planing Painful?
While it is possible that you may experience some discomfort following the scaling and root planing procedure, this discomfort will subside within a few days and should be completely gone within one week. The more important thing to keep in mind is how much pain and discomfort you will be avoiding by addressing your periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can cause serious and very painful oral health issues to develop. In fact, because gum disease is so common, affecting nearly half of all Americans, periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease can also increase your risk of developing infections, cause your gums to become swollen and bleed easily, and increase your risk of developing heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Fortunately, the procedure itself will be practically painless, due to administration of a local anesthetic. If at any point you experience discomfort or pain, let your periodontist know and they can administer additional anesthetic to further numb the area being worked on. Some patients respond very well to local anesthetics and only require one or two shots whereas other patients have heightened gum sensitivity and require additional shots. When the first shot is administered, you may experience a slight pinch, but this sensation will pass quickly.
Complications Following the Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
While it is unlikely that you will experience any discomfort during the scale and root planing procedure, once the anesthetic has worn off you may begin to feel some tenderness and pain where the procedure was performed. To reduce discomfort and speed up your recovery process, follow these aftercare instructions following your scaling and root planing procedure.
- 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 scaling 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 scaling 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.