INITIALLY…
- Wait until numbness has worn off before you eat.
- Tenderness is expected. The amount of tenderness that you will experience is proportional to the condition of your gum disease. You will experience more tenderness after the deep cleaning if your gum disease condition is more severe. How tender is tender? Eating something as soft as cooked broccoli can be tender for the first 1-3 days. This tenderness will resolve.
- Rinse your mouth with Chlorohexidine, an antibiotic mouthwash, twice daily after brushing your teeth in the morning and at night. Rinse your mouth with Chlorohexidine for 30 seconds each time. Do NOT rinse your mouth with water after rinsing with this medication. Do NOT eat or drink for at least 1 hour after rinsing your mouth with Chlorohexidine. The side effects of this mouthwash are brown/grey stains on the surfaces of the teeth and possibly altered taste. The stains are extrinsic and can be removed in our office, and the altered taste goes away after discontinuation of use. Use all of the Chlorhexidine that has been given to you.
THEN…
- Brush and floss your teeth as usual. Do NOT use the Waterpik for at least 3 days after having your teeth deep cleaned.
- Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be used as recommended for discomfort.
- Eat soft food and resume your normal diet as you feel comfortable.
- Tooth sensitivity is normal and usually temporary. You may use a desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne, or any major brand for sensitivity relief. Fluoride has been used to fight cavities and to desensitize teeth. We have prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste, Prevident, available in our office. Please ask one of our dental team members for assistance if you are interested.
IN THE END…
- Your scaling and root planing will be followed with your prophy/polish appointment in one month. At this visit, any stain accumulated from the use of Chlorohexidine will be removed. Do NOT rinse with Chlorhexidine after you had your teeth polished.
- Your subsequent cleanings will be periodontal maintenance cleaning every 4 months. The reason why we need to bring you in sooner is that the bacteria inside the gum pockets need to be destroyed before they proliferate and gain enough strength to destroy your gums and bone tissues.
- These suggestions will help you receive the greatest benefit from today’s treatment. Lastly, please contact our office should you experience prolonged bleeding or any other problems during the healing process.