Scaling and root planing helps keep your mouth free from harmful bacteria that cause periodontal disease.  To get the best results from your treatment, please follow all post-op instructions closely.  If you have questions about your post-operative instructions, and to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Stephen Coker in Cary, North Carolina, call Parkway Dental today at 919-380-9622.

Refrain from eating for at least 2 hours or until the anesthesia has worn off.

Things to Avoid for the first 24 hours:

• Vigorous physical exercise, but you may return to work
• Drinking through a straw or sucking motions
• Do not smoke. (It’s better to refrain for 48 hours)
• Drinking alcoholic beverages as this will retard the healing process
• Foods that are extreme in temperature or spicy
• Avoid using any strong mouthwashes that contain alcohol

Things to Do:

• You may take a non-aspirin analgesic to relieve any tenderness or discomfort, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Eat a well-balanced soft diet for today. You may chew on the opposite side of the treated area until it is comfortable to chew normally.
• Rinse with a warm salt water rinse, a teaspoon in an 8-oz. glass of water, 3 times a day.
• Brush your teeth very lightly in the treated area the first night. Then begin flossing lightly as well the next day, gradually increasing to normal force by the week’s end.
• After flossing and brushing, rinse with chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex), if it was prescribed, for at least 60 seconds. Do this at least twice daily. Chloraseptic and Cepastat are recommended mouthwashes.
• Several days after treatment your gums should begin to appear pinker, less swollen, and will bleed less when you floss. These are signs of healing and improving periodontal health. If you have any questions or problems, please call our office.

For more information, and to speak with our dentist or a member of our team, contact our office today.