Education

Scaling and Root Planning Instructions
Scaling and Root Planning is used as a treatment when a patient has medium to severe periodontal disease. This procedure removes plaque and other infectious materials from the root base of your tooth / teeth. Moderate discomfort may occur with this procedure. Please follow the instructions below to ensure the success of your treatment.

Care of your mouth:
Rinse your mouth 6-8 times per day with warm salt water (mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water). Start brushing and flossing when numbing wears off, be gentle at first.

Discomfort:
Your gums may be "achy" but a couple of nonaspirin pain relievers will help to eliminate and reduce discomfort. Sensitivity to cold may temporarily occur. Removing all plaque from the tooth and placing a dab of fluoride toothpaste on the "touchy" tooth will stop cold or touch sensitivity within a few days.

Eating:
Your next meal should be soft. Avoid any hard "chippy" foods like Fritos, popcorn, chips, etc... for the next few days.

Smoking:
Please DO NOT SMOKE following curettage/root planning procedures. Tobacco smoke is an irritant to healing. You should refrain from smoking for the next 24 hours or longer.

Home Care:
As we will teach you, home care is a very important part of oral health. Success of periodontal treatment depends on good home care, regular check-ups and prophylaxis/cleaning. A regular recall program will markedly improve the success of treatment.




Please feel free to call the office with any questions or if problems arise!


Education Home