Post Op Instructions

Scaling and Root Planing

Arrestin Placement

Here are some important things you need to know about your deep cleaning (scaling/root planning) or antibiotics that may have been placed.  These instructions are here for you to refer back to and help answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment.  If any of your questions cannot be answered from these instructions, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to answer them.

Anesthetic--If you were anesthetized, you may be sore from the injections.  You can take over-the-counter Motrin, Advil, Tylenol, or whatever you take for a headache.  If your jaws are sore or tired, you can place a warm compress, such as a washcloth, and begin massaging the area.  You can also do some opening and closing exercises.

You may also be numb for the next few hours.  You may eat if you need to, however, be extremely careful when chewing, so as to not bit your lip, cheek or tongue.  This can be very painful when you regain feeling and can even cause a large sore in your mouth.  If you are going to eat, avoid hot, hard, or crunchy foods.  Try to stick with soft foods (ie mac-n-cheese, mashed potatoes, or milkshakes….yummy!)

Sensitivity—You may experience some cold sensitivity following your cleaning.  This is because we have removed all of the tartar/calculus that was on the root surfaces of your teeth.  You now have dentinal tubules that are exposed, which can cause some of this sensitivity.  This may subside in a few days, however, in some cases it will not.  If the latter is the case, we have some prescription toothpaste (Prevident) that we can give you to help seal up the tubules to decrease the sensitivity.  Please let us know immediately if you need this toothpaste, as we carry it in the office.

Salt Water Rinses—The gum tissue may be irritated or sore with this type of cleaning due the depth of the pockets.  We recommend warm salt-water rinses to help with the healing process.  Rinses should be done 3 times a day for the next 48 hours. Use 1 tsp. salt in an 8oz. warm glass of water.  Try to make the water as warm as you can stand it (hot chocolate or hot coffee temp.)

Arrestin/Antibiotic Placement—If you are using a water pik, do not use it in the area that the antibiotic was placed for 1 week.  This is so the medicine can dissolve properly and so it is not washed away.  You may brush and floss this area in 24 hours.