Scaling and root planing is a procedure that involves removing bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) from the root surface below the gum line, using hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers. Laser therapy follows to eliminate diseased tissue, destroy bacteria, and minimize the occurrence of bacteremia.
The goal of treatment is to help gingival tissues reattach to cleaned root surfaces and shrink periodontal pockets to a level that’s maintainable with daily oral hygiene.
Initial Precaution
Refrain from eating until the anesthesia has worn off (about two hours).
First 24 Hours — Avoid
- Vigorous physical exercise (returning to work is fine)
- Smoking (abstain for 48 hours — it compromises healing)
- Alcoholic beverages (negatively affects healing)
- Extremely hot, cold, or crunchy foods
- Alcohol-containing mouthwash
- Flossing (gentle brushing only on the day of the procedure)
Recommended Care
Pain Management: Take a non-aspirin analgesic — 600mg ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or 500mg acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Diet: Eat soft foods, and chew on the untreated side until you’re comfortable resuming normal chewing.
Oral Hygiene:
- Rinse with Chlorhexidine twice daily until all quadrants of the mouth have completed treatment.
- Brush lightly in treated areas the first night.
- Floss gently for the first two days, gradually increasing pressure over the following week.
- Rinse with chlorhexidine (if prescribed) for 60 seconds after flossing/brushing, morning and evening.
Expected Healing Signs
Temporary sensitivity to temperature is normal. You may notice small “tissue tags” at the gum margins — this is also normal. Within days, gums should appear pinker, less swollen, and bleed less when flossing, indicating improving periodontal health.
Perio Protect Trays — Instructions & Care
Application
- Hold the tray with the teeth side facing up, toward you.
- Apply a thin ribbon of hydrogen peroxide gel across the tooth/gum indentations.
- Use a small brush or Q-tip to distribute the medication evenly.
- Insert the tray, seating it fully and comfortably against your gums.
- Spit out any excess medication.
- Wear once daily for 15–20 minutes to start.
- Remove the tray after the prescribed time and rinse your teeth with water.
- Rinse the tray with cold water after each use.
- Optionally brush the tray lightly with a soft toothbrush and hydrogen peroxide, then towel-dry and store in the provided container.
Important Care Points
- Do not use hot water, expose the tray to heat, boil it, or soak it in bleach or mouthwash — this can cause discoloration.
- Continue to brush, floss, and use any other oral hygiene aids recommended by your hygienist or Dr. Sidhu.
- Contact our office if the medication’s taste changes or increases over time.
- Bring your trays to all dental appointments.
Questions? Call our Henderson office at (702) 212-6641.