Necessary care after dental scaling

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, which are the tissues that surround the teeth and attach them to the underlying bones. Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque that occurs naturally in everyone’s mouth. With regular professional dental care or aftercare after scaling, plaque build-up can usually be effectively managed. However, if not removed periodically, plaque builds up and hardens into tartar.

Removing tartar is much more difficult and requires professional cleaning with specialized dental hygiene tools. If the accumulation of tartar is significant, it may get stuck in the area between the teeth and the gum line, leading to inflammation of the gum tissue and gradually leading to periodontal disease. When periodontal disease is present, the gums, which normally fit well around the teeth, begin to loosen.

As the gums loosen, they form pockets that can fill with more tartar and bacteria, which can lead to further infection. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and possibly bone loss, as well as many other potential problems. Dental scaling and root planing combine to provide an effective treatment for periodontal disease. Deep cleaning and polishing of all tooth surfaces, including the surfaces below the gum line and on the root, allows the gum tissue to adhere to the tooth as it should.

Treatment of gum disease

At its mildest, gum disease is known as gingivitis and can cause the gums to bleed easily, and become swollen, red, and inflamed. At this point, gum disease is relatively easy to treat both at home and at the dentist’s office. However, if gum disease is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, which can destroy the tissue and bone that supports your teeth. As periodontitis progresses, this bone and tissue loss worsens, which can lead to tooth loss.

Various treatments can restore bone and gum tissues, and their complexity varies based on the stage of gum disease. Most patients seeking treatment for periodontitis require scaling and root planing at some stage of treatment, which acts as a deep cleaning for the teeth. Dental scaling and root planing remove tartar from below the gum line, including the roots of the teeth, which controls the growth of bacteria and allows healthy gum tissue to attach to the tooth.

Important points after scaling teeth

Follow-up care depends on the length of the operation. When you have your teeth professionally cleaned, your dentist or hygienist will use hand tools to scrape hardened plaque off the surface of your teeth. If they have to go below the gum line, it’s often called a deep cleaning. A local anesthetic is used to numb any discomfort you are experiencing with your gums. Root programming goes deeper still. The goal is to smooth the surface of the teeth and roots, remove plaque, and make it difficult for the enamel to reattach.

Here, we’ll explore what you might experience after scaling and root planing, as well as the best way to maintain freshly cleaned teeth and gums!

• Discomfort and appearance

You may have some burning and inflammation for a few days after the treatment. This is normal and should go away as you heal. If you feel you need it, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers.

As the inflammation subsides, you will likely see more space between your teeth. This is a good thing! This means that the plaque stuck between them is gone and you are on your way to a healthier smile!

• Bleeding and tooth sensitivity

For two or three days, you will probably have some bleeding while brushing, which should decrease with each brushing. Sensitivity can be a bit extreme, especially temperature sensitivity. Your dentist may give you a toothpaste specifically for sensitivity, which should help. Depending on the severity of your case, you may also be prescribed an antibiotic mouthwash, and it is important and beneficial to use it as directed.

• Minimize irritation

Avoid hard and crunchy foods for a few days after treatment. Your gums are soft and tender, and you won’t feel good grinding crunchy food on them. Stick to softer foods for a few days while you heal.

Your nutritional and nutritional needs after oral surgery can depend on several factors, including your health before surgery, the procedure you are undergoing, the impact on your oral function, and the expected recovery. A diet of liquid or soft foods is usually required for a few days or more after oral surgery. It is recommended to choose foods rich in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein. These types of foods provide the vitamins and nutrients you need to heal your mouth.

These types of procedures often require patients to stick to soft foods and avoid biting or chewing with the tooth or area for a period of time.

The list below contains some examples of soft foods that can be consumed after oral surgery. Immediately after treatment, your mouth and jaw may be very sore. Focus on eating a variety of nutritious foods that don’t require chewing.

The temperature of food and drink, whether hot or cold, is also important. For example, drinking hot drinks during recovery can irritate the gum tissue and complicate the healing process. Instead of piping hot, focus on consuming warm items. Additionally, until your oral surgeon allows you to expand your food options, it’s best to stick to cooler foods like yogurt.

It is important to avoid the following foods in the first week after surgery because they can cause pain and delay healing:

• Spicy foods
• Citrus juice
• Foods that are hard to chew (steaks and deli meats)
• Crispy foods (popcorn, pretzels, and potato chips)
• Sweets, cookies

On the day of surgery, it is recommended to start with clear liquids (juice, broth, tea, and gel-o). As recovery progresses, you can slowly introduce more substantial foods.

Oral and dental hygiene and necessary care after dental scaling

Your gum tissue is likely sensitive, so brush carefully. Being gentle but thorough will help keep your teeth and gums healthy as they continue to heal after treatment. Using a warm salt water solution to rinse your mouth can feel good and help reduce swelling. You can do this as often as you like for a few weeks. If you can’t handle salt water, ask your dentist to give you an antibacterial mouthwash.

Following the recommended scaling and root planing can greatly reduce the risk of further infection and prevent gum recession that can lead to bone and tooth loss. Once you’ve had your deep cleaning done, be sure to follow your recommended care schedule to prevent periodontal disease from reoccurring. You may see your dentist three to four times a year instead of the usual two, but prevention is easier and less expensive than treatment. Don’t let your efforts go unstoppable!

If you feel pain, bleeding, or burning after scaling and root planing, there is no need to worry. Continue home care as directed and contact your dentist in Ottawa or dental hygienist immediately if symptoms persist.

After scaling and root canal treatment, you will quickly notice that your gums are less swollen, red, and prone to bleeding, which is a sign that they are back to a healthy state. Although you will experience several positive changes, you may also experience some side effects during your recovery. There are several things you can do to minimize the symptoms you may experience after your root planning and scaling.