Mint Hill Smiles

Dentist in Mint Hill, NC

Gum Disease Treatment Aftercare Instructions | Mint Hill Smiles

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Treatment for gum disease, known clinically as scaling and root planing,

removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline to treat gum disease and help your gums heal. Because we clean deeper than a routine cleaning reaches, it is normal to have some soreness and sensitivity

Right After Your Gum Disease Treatment

  • – If your mouth is numb, avoid eating until the numbness wears off so you do not accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue.
  • – Some soreness, tenderness, and mild bleeding from the gums is normal for the first few days.
  • – Your teeth may feel more sensitive to hot and cold temporarily. This usually improves over the following days and weeks as your gums heal.
  • – Rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) two to three times a day to soothe the tissue and keep the area clean.

Eating

  • – Stick to soft foods for the first day or two if your gums are sore.
  • – Avoid very hot, spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods while the tissue is tender.
  • – Stay hydrated and return to your normal diet as comfort allows.
Dentist examining a child with crowded teeth and possible airway concerns

Brushing and Flossing

  • – Homecare is very important in staying on top of the bacteria that cause gum disease.
  • – Making sure to brush angling into the gumline is key, use of an Electric Toothbrush is ideal.
  • – Floss at least once a day (at night is best) and focus on hugging the corners of the teeth and getting all the way below the gum with your floss.
  • – If you had a lot of bleeding with your treatment your provider may have recommended a prescription mouthwash for you to use. Swish with this twice a day (morning and night) for 1 week after each treatment session. Prolonged use can cause staining on the teeth.

Managing Discomfort

  • – An over-the-counter pain reliever taken as directed on the label is usually enough to manage soreness. Our doctors typically recommend Ibuprofen or Aleve. 
  • – The soreness should steadily improve. If pain increases after a few days rather than improving, call us.

When to Call Us

Call (704) 323-7577 if you have bleeding that does not stop, swelling that worsens after a few days, severe pain, or any reaction to a prescribed medication.
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Most soreness improves within a few days, and the gums continue to heal and tighten over the following weeks. Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold is normal during this time and usually fades as the gum tissue recovers.
Soft foods are best for the first day or two if your gums are sore. Avoid very hot, spicy, crunchy, and acidic foods until the tenderness passes, then return to your normal diet as comfort allows.
Removing tartar from below the gumline exposes areas of the tooth that were covered, which can cause temporary sensitivity to temperature. This typically improves over the following days and weeks. A sensitivity toothpaste can help.

The varnish stays active on your teeth for about four to six hours after application. The strengthening benefit to your enamel continues well beyond that, which is why we recommend professional fluoride treatments at regular intervals.

Some mild bleeding for the first day or two is normal as the gums heal. Gentle salt water rinses help. If bleeding is heavy or does not stop, call us at (704) 323-7577.
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar at and above the gumline. Scaling and root planing is needed when gum disease has allowed tartar and bacteria to build up below the gumline, which a routine cleaning cannot reach. Treating it helps stop the progression of gum disease and prevents further loss of jaw bone support around your teeth.
After gum disease treatment, most patients move to a periodontal maintenance schedule, often every three to four months, so we can keep the area clean and monitor your gum health over time. Your hygienist will recommend the right interval for you.

Questions after your appointment?

Call Mint Hill Smiles at (704) 323-7577. We are at 11300 Cresthill Drive, Suite 105, Mint Hill, NC 28227.
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