After your scaling and root planing treatment, you should notice reduced redness and bleeding of the gum tissue. Your mouth should taste and feel better. As you continue to practice proper home care and receive professional care, your gum health should increase. Here are a few things to keep in mind after your treatment:

Discomfort
Any discomfort or pain you experience should be mild and subside within a few hours. Discomfort should not persist beyond a few days at the most.

Bleeding
Your may have some slight bleeding the next few times you brush your teeth. This bleeding should steadily decrease.

Tooth Sensitivity
You may be sensitive to temperature changes or sweets. This sensitivity may be noticeable during the first few days after treatment, but it usually diminishes quickly.

Appearance
Your gums may change in shape as they heal. This is normal, as gums will tighten with decreased inflammation.

Diet & Eating
If extensive root planing was performed, we recommend a soft diet for a few days. Chewing hard foods (meat, raw vegetables, etc.) may be uncomfortable until soreness subsides.

Discomfort & Sensitivity
Avoid chewing foods until numbness wears off so that you can avoid injuring your tongue or cheeks. You may use mild pain relievers to manage discomfort.

Oral Hygiene
If your gums are tender, brush your teeth gently but thoroughly. You should be able to return to normal oral hygiene techniques after three or four days. You may also want to use a warm saltwater rinse or an antimicrobial mouth rinse to keep your mouth clean.

If you have any questions, please contact Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 704-987-2277.