These instructions are designed to help your post-procedural recovery be as comfortable as possible. Please take the time to read through this information carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office on (206) 682-9269.
Oral Hygiene
It is important to keep your teeth and gum tissue as clean as possible. Your gum tissue is likely to be slightly tender for the first day or two after treatment. Brush and floss twice daily, gently but thoroughly and use any adjunctive home care tools your hygienist may have recommended. You should be able to resume normal brushing and flossing within a few days. In addition to brushing and flossing, please use a warm salt water rinse (1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces warm water) several times daily, especially after eating. You should notice less redness, bleeding and swelling of your gum tissue in a few days. Use of tobacco products, including smokeless, will slow healing. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND SMOKING CESSATION.
Tooth Sensitivity
Following treatment, your teeth may become sensitive to temperature or sugar. If this is the case, do not use tartar control or whitening toothpaste as these can increase sensitivity. If sensitivity persists, the use of a desensitizing toothpaste (e.g. Sensodyne ) that contains fluoride or potassium nitrate will help alleviate the sensitivity. A Stannous fluoride gel or rinse can also be prescribed if necessary and/or fluoride varnish applied at your next appointment.
Discomfort
Slight throbbing or aching is normal and should subside in 24-28 hours. Avoid using alcohol-based mouth rinses as the high alcohol content may cause unnecessary pain. Any discomfort is usually relieved with the use of an over the counter mediation such as ibuprofen (Advic, Motrin), Aleve or Tylenol.
Diet
Be your own judge. You may wish to eat softer foods for the first day or two and avoid popcorn/small seeds. Very chewy, hard or crunchy, acidic and/or heavily spiced foods can also cause discomfort. This should last no longer than a few days. If a local anesthetic was used, do not consume hot beverages, or eat until normal feeling has returned to avoid injury to the tongue, cheek or lips. You may experience discomfort at the injection site - this does not usually last for more than a few days.
Appearance
Root surfaces may be more exposed as swelling of the inflamed gum tissue decreases. You will likely perceive an increased space between the teeth. This is very normal and will allow you access to these areas for improved oral hygiene.