Scaling & Root Planing Post-Operative Instructions

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Mild soreness or tenderness for 24-72 hours is normal.
• Your gums may bleed slightly for the first day.
• Teeth may feel more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets for several days to a few weeks.
• As inflammation resolves, your gums may shrink slightly, making your teeth appear a little longer. This is a normal part of healing.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

• Mild discomfort is normal.
• Take Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) 600-800 mg every 8 hours as needed, if medically appropriate.

ORAL HYGIENE

• You may gently resume brushing and flossing the evening of your appointment unless Arestin was placed. If Arestin® was used, please follow the instructions below.
• Warm salt water rinses (1½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz. warm water) 3-4 times daily can help soothe tender gums.
• Continue any prescription mouth rinse as directed.

EATING

• Wait until the numbness has completely worn off before eating.
• Soft foods are recommended for the remainder of the day.
• Avoid extremely hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods for the first 24 hours.

GEMINI LASER INSTRUCTIONS

If the Gemini soft tissue laser was used during your periodontal therapy:

• Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods for 24 hours.
• Do not pick or scratch the treated gum tissue.
• A thin white film may develop over the treated area. This is normal healing tissue and is part of the natural healing process.
• Mild tenderness is expected for 1-3 days.

ARESTIN® POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

If Arestin® (minocycline microspheres) was placed in your periodontal pockets today:

• Do not floss or use interdental brushes (such as Proxabrushes, Soft-Picks, or Waterpik®) in the treated areas for 10 days.
• Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods (such as nuts, popcorn, seeds, granola, hard candy, chewing gum, or ice) in the treated areas for 1 week, as these foods may dislodge the medication.
• Continue your normal brushing routine while avoiding disruption of the treated sites.
• It is normal to experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days.