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Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gumline to help manage gum disease. Good aftercare helps your gums settle, reduces irritation, and supports healing.
What Should I Do After Scaling and Root Planing?
Right after your appointment, focus on keeping the area clean without irritating tender tissue. For most patients, aftercare includes the following:
- Wait to eat until numbness is gone. This helps prevent accidental cheek or tongue injury.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water 2–4 times daily for the first few days. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and light pressure along the gumline.
- Clean between teeth gently. Floss carefully or use a water flosser on a low setting.
- Choose soft foods for 24–48 hours like yogurt, eggs, oatmeal, and warm soups.
- Avoid crunchy, sticky, spicy, or very hot foods.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours.
- If your dentist prescribed a rinse or medication, use it exactly as directed.
How Long Does Recovery Take and What’s Normal?
Most people notice steady improvement over several days. Your recovery depends on how inflamed your gums were and how many areas were treated.
- First 24 hours: Tender gums are common. You may notice mild oozing or pink saliva, especially after brushing.
- Days 2–3: Tooth sensitivity, often to cold, can be more noticeable.
- Days 4–7: Tenderness typically continues to improve.
If discomfort increases after the first couple of days, or bleeding becomes heavy instead of improving, contact your dental office.
How Do I Manage Soreness and Sensitivity?
Some soreness after scaling and root planing is normal. The goal is to stay comfortable while continuing gentle home care.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers may be appropriate unless you have a medical reason to avoid them. Follow the label directions and any guidance from your dentist or physician.
- Cold pack: If you have facial tenderness for the first 24 hours, apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel for 10–20 minutes at a time.
- Sensitivity support: Avoid very cold foods and drinks for a few days if needed. A desensitizing toothpaste can help, especially if cold triggers discomfort.
Do not stop brushing because of sensitivity. Light pressure and a soft brush is better than skipping cleaning.
When Should I Call My Dentist?
Contact your dental office if you have:
- Heavy bleeding that does not improve
- Increasing swelling, worsening pain, or fever
- Sensitivity that is severe or not improving after about a week
- Any concern that healing is not progressing normally
Your dentist may recommend a follow-up visit or periodontal maintenance schedule based on how your gums respond.
Protect Gum Health Long Term
If you have increasing pain, swelling, or bleeding, or you are unsure whether healing is progressing normally, contact your dentist for guidance. If you are a patient at Morris Dental Solutions, give us a call for follow-up care and assessment.
To schedule an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.
FAQs
Most patients feel significantly better within 2–3 days. Mild tenderness or tooth sensitivity can last up to a week, depending on gum inflammation and treatment extent.
You can eat once the numbness from local anesthesia has fully worn off. Start with soft foods for the first 24–48 hours, and avoid very hot, spicy, crunchy, or sticky foods if your gums are tender.
Avoid crunchy, sticky, spicy, and very hot foods for the first 24–48 hours, and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours if you notice bleeding.
