Post-Treatment SRP (Deep Cleaning Instructions)
Please review and follow these procedures. They will make you more comfortable and prevent complications:
- Medications:
Normally, mild pain relievers like aspirin, Tylenol and Ibuprofen are adequate to control any post-operative discomfort. If you do not have one of these medications already, we will write you a prescription.
Occasionally, antibiotics are prescribed concurrent with your scaling and root planing appointments. If so, it is important to take all the antibiotics as directed until gone.
- Post Operative Care:
Do not eat until the anesthetic has worn off and normal feeling has returned.
Avoid very spicy foods and foods with a lot of acidity for the first 48 hours.
Your next meal should consist of soft, easy to chew foods. Avoid hard, gritty foods such as peanuts, popcorn, tacos, crusty bread and chips for the next 3-4 days.
The teeth may be sensitive to cold after the roots have been cleaned. This is not permanent and brushing with “Sensodyne”, “Crest for Sensitive Teeth” or prescribed toothpaste can reduce sensitivity.
Brush and floss gently today and resume normal flossing and brushing as soon as possible. Remember, plaque will rapidly reform and prevent gum pockets from closing, so your thoroughness in home care is extremely important in the success of your treatment.
Rinse your mouth 2-3 times per day with warm water (one teaspoon salt to 8 oz of water). Or begin the prescribed mouth rinse tomorrow.
Progressing swelling, pain, and bleeding are not normal following scaling and root planning. Please call our office at 813-878-0300 if this occurs.
- Additional Information:
Bleeding: Some slight bleeding may occur during the next several brushings, but the bleeding should steadily decrease after two or three days.
Smoking: Please do not smoke following scaling and root planning procedures. Tobacco smoke is an irritant to healing. Refrain from smoking for 24 hours or longer.