Scaling & Root Planing / Deep Cleaning

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Do NOT eat anything until the anesthesia wears off, as you might bite your lips, cheek, or tongue and cause damage. You will probably have some discomfort when the anesthesia wears off; take your non-aspirin pain medication(s) as directed, whether it is prescribed or over-the-counter.

Medications:

  • Please take Ibuprofen or Advil 800 mg (equal to 4 tabs of over-the-counter Ibuprofen or Advil) every 4-6 hours for the next 3-5 days.
    • Please take it as instructed, whether the area hurts or does not hurt!!!
    • Do NOT exceed 2400 mg (12 tabs) in a 24 hour period!!!

AND/OR (You may alternate Ibuprofen and Tylenol pain medications for better pain coverage)

  • Please take Extra Strength Tylenol 1000 mg (equal to 2 tabs of over-the-counter Extra Strength Tylenol) every 4-6 hours for the next 3-5 days.
    • Please take it as instructed, whether the area hurts or does not hurt!!!
    • Do NOT exceed 4000 mg (8 tabs) in a 24 hour period!!!
    • AVOID OVERDOSE! If and when you are taking Vicodin / Tylenol #3 / Percocet / Tramadol, please only take 1 tab of Extra Strength Tylenol. These prescription medications contain Tylenol.

An antibiotic may have been prescribed to prevent or minimize infection. Please take the antibiotics as instructed until all tablets / pills are finished.

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Discomfort:

Slight swelling of the operated area is not unusual. Chapped lips or bruising of the lips/cheek area may occur.

  • A reusable ice bag or a frozen vegetable bag, wrapped in a soft towel, may be applied to the area of surgery to help minimize the swelling of your face. Alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off will usually be adequate during the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
  • Keeping your head elevated above your heart will also help. Most swelling can occur in the morning and up to 3 days after surgery. Avoid sleeping/laying on the side that surgery was performed.
  • Two days after surgery, moist heat will help resolve minor swelling. Major swelling should be reported to the doctor at once.

You may experience some tooth sensitivity after surgery, especially to cold. Sensitivity usually decreases within several weeks after surgery and can be minimized by keeping the area as free of plaque as possible. If the sensitivity is extreme, contact the doctor for recommendations or medications to relieve the discomfort.

Bleeding:

Minor bleeding, such as a pinkish tinge to your saliva, may occur during the first 48 hours following surgery. Avoid extremely hot foods for the rest of the day and do NOT rinse out your mouth, as these will often prolong the bleeding. If bleeding continues, apply light pressure to the area with a moistened gauze or moistened tea bag. Keep in place for 20-30 minutes without looking to see if the bleeding has stopped. If bleeding increases or occurs past the initial 48 hours, please call our office as soon as possible to notify the doctor and receive further instructions.

Eating / Diet:

You may eat as tolerated after the numbness has worn off. Avoid sticky, hard (such as ice cubes, nuts, popcorn, chips), brittle, spicy, highly seasoned, or acidic foods in your diet. Foods such as soups, pasta, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese etc. are best. Be sure to maintain adequate nutrition and drink plenty of fluids.

Smoking is not advised during the 7-14 days following surgery, as smoking will delay your healing.

Homecare:

Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water rinse, 4-6 times per day; 30 seconds of swooshing with each use, including after eating or snacking. Salt water rinse can be made by dissolving one tablespoon of salt in an 8-oz glass of water.

Start home care as instructed. Do not be concerned if there is mild bleeding during brushing for a few days following the scaling and root planing procedure.

 

Try to relax and practice the best oral hygiene possible and your healing should progress well. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office number listed below:

Champaign Location Phone Number 217-398-4867 (Champaign Office) Charleston Location Phone Number 217-345-4867 (Charleston Office)