Post-Op Instructions
Periodontal Treatment
Today's periodontal work — whether it was a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, or gum therapy — is an important investment in the long-term health of your teeth. The recovery is usually manageable, but your gums will need some extra attention and gentleness over the next several days.
After your procedure
- 1
Wait for numbness to fully wear off before eating
The anesthetic used for periodontal treatment can make your gums, lips, and tongue numb for a few hours. Avoid eating until sensation has fully returned to prevent accidentally biting or irritating the tissue.
- 2
Use the prescribed rinse
If I gave you a prescription mouth rinse, use it as directed — typically twice a day, after brushing. Don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after using it.
- 3
Be gentle with your gums for a few days
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and light pressure. Your gum tissue has been worked on and will be tender — this isn't the time to scrub hard. Gentle is effective.
- 4
Eat soft foods for 24–48 hours
Avoid anything crunchy, hard, or spicy near the treated areas. Stick to soft foods that don't require a lot of chewing. Avoid very hot foods or drinks while the tissue is tender.
- 5
Take anti-inflammatories as directed
Pain pills work well for the soreness and inflammation following periodontal treatment. Take them as directed — with food — for the first day or two.
- 6
Resume normal hygiene carefully
Continue brushing and flossing — oral hygiene is the whole point of what we did today. Just be gentle around treated areas for the first few days. As soreness decreases, gradually return to your normal routine.
What's normal
- —Gum soreness and sensitivity for 2–5 days after treatment
- —Slight bleeding when brushing for the first couple of days
- —Teeth feeling more sensitive to cold, especially where the roots were cleaned
- —Gum tissue looking slightly paler or more defined as initial swelling decreases
- —A cleaner feeling in your mouth once healing begins — that's the goal
Call us immediately if you notice
(713) 973-0118- →Swelling or pain that is increasing rather than improving after day 3
- →Fever, or a bad taste that develops a few days after treatment
- →Severe tooth sensitivity that is getting worse, not better
- →Any area that looks unusual, swollen, or is producing discharge
- →Questions about your home care routine — we're always happy to walk you through it
Questions? We're here.
Mon 9–4 · Tue–Thu 9–6 · Fri–Sun Closed