At the office of Sonrisa Family Dental, the care and comfort of our patients are our top priorities. Our goal is to help our patients enjoy optimal oral health and to keep them well informed every step of the way.

FOLLOWING A SCALING & ROOT PLANING (DEEP CLEANING)

1. Until the anesthesia wears offWhile scaling & root planing is a non-surgical procedure, local anesthesia is often given to numb the area and ensure patient comfort. To help prevent any accidental injury, it’s essential to avoid eating, chewing, drinking hot beverages, or smoking until the anesthetic wears off. Typically, the numbness subsides within an hour or two of the procedure.
2. Short-term sensitivity and SorenessBecause you’ve just had a deep cleaning to remove bacterial plaque and tartar beneath the gumline; you may experience some sensitivity to cold and hot food or beverages as well as some soreness and residual bleeding around the gums. This type of discomfort is to be expected and should subside within a day or two. While it’s not typically necessary, our office will recommend over-the-counter pain medication as needed. If any excessive bleeding is present, or your sensitivity worsens, contact our office.
3. Watch what you eatYou’ve just had a deep cleaning, which not only extended beneath the gumline but also included smoothing the roots of the teeth to help prevent any further accumulations of plaque and tartar. For all these reasons, it’s essential to avoid hard foods such as popcorn, chips, or seeds for several days. Sharp particles of these foods can become lodged in the spaces between the teeth and gums, further irritating the tissues and causing setbacks.Smoking also has a negative impact on tissue healing and periodontal health. If you are a smoker, the habit should be curtailed for at least a couple of days following a scaling & root planing procedure.
4. The importance of good oral hygieneSupporting optimal oral health involves keeping your teeth and gums clean. After a scaling & root planing procedure, remember to resume your oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing as instructed.

We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office.