scaling instructions

Non-Surgical periodontics • st. charles, IL

Instructions Prior to Scaling and Root Planing

Post-operative healing can be enhanced in patients who take Vitamins C prior to surgery and continue taking it through the healing phase.  Please begin taking Vitamin C, 250 mg, four times daily.  We recommend that patients start the vitamins at least one week prior to treatment and then continue for two to three weeks during the healing phase of treatment.  If you are already on a vitamin regimen, please be sure that the dosage of Vitamin C equals the above recommendations.

Patients who smoke must plan to refrain for at least 24 hours after a scaling and root planing procedure.  Ideally, we recommend all patients quit smoking for their overall wellbeing, in addition to their periodontal health.

Instructions following Scaling and Root Planing

Day of Treatment

Please avoid extremely cold or hot foods until numbness wears off.  Try to rest for the remainder of today, and avoid rigorous exercise. 

You may expect to have some discomfort when the anesthetic wears off.  Over the counter pain medication such as Motrin or Tylenol should be sufficient to control any discomfort you may be having.  Please call our office if you have any questions.

Also, after scaling and root planing you may experience some tooth sensitivity to hot and cold which may last up to two weeks.  Crest Sensitive or Sensodyne F toothpaste applied to the sensitive teeth topically and left on for 30 minutes can be helpful to relieve this sensation.

Small amounts of blood in your saliva may be present for the first few days following your deep cleaning procedure, especially after brushing or flossing.  This will diminish in one to two weeks as your mouth heals.

Please abstain from smoking for at least 24 hours after surgery. 

Eat soft foods today if necessary for your comfort.  Avoid popcorn, nuts, and crunchy/sharp foods which can lodge between the teeth and gums.

After 24 Hours

Starting 24 hours after surgery, rinse with a 50:50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water twice daily after lunch and after dinner.  Hydrogen peroxide will aid in helping to keep your mouth clean allowing for optimal healing.  Please continue these rinses for six days.

We would like you to continue your oral hygiene regimen as presented to you at your visit.  You will not hurt your gums by brushing and flossing.

When your entire scaling and root planing regimen is complete, you may receive a prescription for an antibiotic.  This prescription is given only on an as needed basis.  Please take the medication to completion.

Questions?  Please Call:

Our office hours are Monday 8:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., Tuesay 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,         Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Should you have a question during office hours, please call the office.

Office Number: (630) 377-4677

Doctors Kolinski and Crosby's patients may reach them after office hours by using the phone numbers provided on the day              of treatment.

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