Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical procedure. Don’t let it scare you. It is, however, necessary to follow specific instructions to make it more comfortable afterwards. If you experience problems despite following the instructions, please call me right away.

Discomfort?

Some discomfort can be expected when the anesthesia wears off, but not as much as you might expect. Usually discomfort can occur if you brush or during more vigorous chewing. Do not eat chewy foods, such as meat. You can go back to work immediately afterwards with little problem, unless you have significant bleeding (if you gums were severely inflamed and swollen).

Care of Your Mouth Afterward

Routine brushing of your mouth, especially with an electric toothbrush, will be difficult, as it may cause soreness of your gums. We recommend that you wait 4-5 days before brushing, and take special care not to brush too hard during the next 7-10 days. If you must brush sooner, place the brush under hot water to soften the bristles. You should be able to floss as usual, but don’t go under the gums.

Just how long it will be until you can brush as usual depends on the severity of your problem. Feel free to use Listerine or warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon per 8 oz. glass of warm water). In addition, you can buy Chloraseptic at the drug store; it will numb your gums.

During a Scaling and Root Planing procedure, special curettes are carried deep into the pockets to scrape out the sometimes tenacious calculus deposits. These curettes can also debride the epithelial linings of the pockets. Dr. Bruns occasionally will contour the gum tissue itself (Gingivectomy) which is a small surgical procedure. In these cases, an antibiotic mouth rinse (Periogard) will be prescribed to promote healing.

Emergency Care

We reserve a limited amount of time each day so that emergency patients may be scheduled quickly. If you have a problem requiring emergency treatment, please call us as early in the day as possible.