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What to expect:
It is normal to experience minor bleeding following each root planning appointment. You may also experience some discomfort for a few days. This is due to existing inflammation of the gums. As your gums heal, you may notice some sensitivity in your teeth; this is due to “shrinkage” of the gums, which may result in some exposed root surfaces.
Numbness:
If you received topical anesthesia (gel only), the numbness will only affect your gums and you will be able to eat or drink once your lips feel normal. If you were given anesthesia in the form of an injection, you will be numb after the root planning and the anesthesia may last for an hour or more. Do not eat or drink until the numbness has worn off.
Management of Discomfort:
You may have been given ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) at your root planning appointment. To maintain an acceptable comfort level, take 400 mg (2 pills) of over-the-counter ibuprofen every 6 hours after your appointment. Rinsing with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz. of warm water) after meals and at bedtime will help the soreness of the gums. If you have been prescribed antibiotics, make sure to complete the course of the antibiotic as directed.
Oral Home Care:
You may brush and floss your teeth as normal following your appointment. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using a toothbrush with medium or hard bristles may cause abrasion of the teeth, as well as recession of the gums. Floss once daily; making sure to remove plaque from below the gumline.
Other Instructions:
After root planning, avoid the following, which may irritate the gums and prolong the healing period:
- Spicy foods (avoid during the time between your first and last root planning appointments and for 48 hours following the last appointment)
- Astringent mouthwashes such as Scope or Listerine (avoid for 48 hours)
- Smoking (avoid for at least 24 hours)
- Alcohol (avoid for at least 24 hours)
Periodontal Maintenance:
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition which requires ongoing care from both the dental care provider and the patient. Eight weeks after the completion of root planning, you will need to return so that we may re-evaluate the health of the gums. If areas of deep pocketing remain at this time, we may need to consider localized antibiotics, laser treatment, and/or referral to a periodontist (gum specialist). In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene at home, you will need to come in for regular recall (cleaning/checkup) visits to maintain the health of your gums. You may require cleaning visits every 3-4 months.
Please contact our office at (703) 266-BITE (703-266-2483) if you have any questions.
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