Today we removed plaque biofilm and calculus below the gumline and smoothed root surfaces to reduce inflammation, bleeding, and pocket depths so bone and gums can heal. We may have placed site-specific antimicrobials and/or fluoride varnish to reduce bacteria and sensitivity.

Numbness can last 2–6 hours. Avoid hot drinks and chewing on the numb side to prevent biting your lip/cheek/tongue.

First 24–48 hours: what’s normal

• Mild soreness/tenderness of gums and teeth

• Pink saliva/light oozing for several hours

• Cold/air sensitivity (can last days–weeks as inflammation resolves)

• Gum shrinkage as swelling subsides (spaces/“black triangles” may look more visible)

Call us if you see heavy bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, fever ≥100.4°F (38°C), foul taste/drainage, or pain worsening after day 3. For trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911.

If we prescribed chlorhexidine (0.12%)

• Swish 15 ml for 30 seconds, 2×/day for 1–2 weeks.

• Wait 30 minutes after brushing (SLS can reduce effectiveness).

• May cause temporary staining/altered taste—this can be polished away later. Do not swallow.

If we placed localized antibiotics

 (e.g., minocycline “Arestin®”, doxycycline gel)

• Do not disturb treated sites.

• Avoid floss, toothpicks, interproximal brushes, and water-flossers at those specific sites for 10 days (you may clean adjacent teeth normally).

• Soft diet on the treated side for 1 week; avoid sticky/crunchy foods that could dislodge medication.

• No subgingival irrigation at treated sites for 2 weeks unless we instruct otherwise.

Sensitivity—what’s normal & how to reduce it

• Sensitivity to cold/air is common for 1–3 weeks as inflammation resolves.

• Use desensitizing toothpaste, consider a nightguard if you clench/grind, and ask us about in-office desensitizers/fluoride if sensitivity persists.

Bleeding control at home

• If oozing continues, place firm pressure with folded gauze or a moist tea bag for 20–30 minutes without checking. Repeat once if needed.

• Sleep slightly elevated the first night.

Pain control (only use what your provider approved)

• If you can take NSAIDs:Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours as needed (with food). Max 2,400 mg/day.

• You may combine or alternate with Acetaminophen 500 mg every 6 hours as needed. Max 3,000 mg/day total acetaminophen.

• If you cannot take NSAIDs: use Acetaminophen alone (same limits).

• Rinses: After 24 hours, use warm salt-water (½ tsp salt in a cup of warm water) 3–4×/day.

After your final cementation/bonding

• The cement is set, but avoid very sticky/hard foods for 24 hours while it reaches full strength.

• Floss normally (gently) today; a little tugging at the margin is normal early on.

• Expect light gum soreness for 1–3 days where we worked—rinse with warm salt water (½ tsp salt in a cup of warm water) 3–4×/day.

If you clench or grind, a custom nightguard protects both natural teeth and new restorations from fractures and wear. Ask us if you notice morning jaw soreness or flattened edges.

Oral hygiene (what to do tonight & this week)

• Tonight: Brush gently with a soft brush; sweep from gum to tooth.

• Floss/interdental cleaning: Resume tomorrow, being gentle at tender areas.

• Desensitizing toothpaste (potassium nitrate): 2×/day for 2–4 weeks; let it sit on sensitive spots for 1 minute before rinsing.

• Fluoride: If we applied fluoride varnish, avoid brushing/flossing that area until tomorrow morning and skip hot drinks/alcohol-based rinses for 4–6 hrs.

Diet, activity & habits

• Today: Soft, cool-to-warm foods. Avoid very hot, spicy, acidic, or seedy/crunchy foods that irritate tissues.

• Hydrate, but avoid alcohol for 24 hours (and while on antibiotics).

• No smoking/vaping for 48–72 hours—it delays healing and worsens outcomes.

• Skip strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.

• Re-evaluation in 4–6 weeks: we’ll re-measure pockets/bleeding and review home care.

• Most patients do best with periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months to keep bacteria from repopulating.

• If deep pockets or bleeding persist, we’ll discuss additional therapy (site-specific antimicrobials, surgery, occlusal therapy, or restorative fixes).

▶ How long will my gums be sore?

Mild tenderness is common for 24–72 hours (sometimes up to a week). Call us if pain worsens after day 3.

▶ Is bleeding normal?

Light oozing or pink saliva is normal the first day. For continued oozing, press firm gauze or a moist tea bag on the area for 20–30 minutes without peeking.

▶ Why do my teeth feel more sensitive to cold/air?

As swollen gums shrink and roots are cleaner, teeth can feel sensitive for 1–3 weeks. Use desensitizing toothpaste twice daily and warm salt-water rinses; we can add professional desensitizers if needed.

▶ My teeth look “longer” or I see spaces—did SRP cause that?

That’s swollen gums healing and tightening, revealing true tooth contours (“black triangles”). It’s a sign inflammation is resolving.

▶ When can I brush and floss?

Brush tonight with a soft brush. Floss/interdental cleaning tomorrow—be gentle the first few days.

If localized antibiotics were placed: avoid flossing/water-flossers at those specific sites for 10 days.

▶ Can I use my water flosser?

Yes—tomorrow for untreated areas. Wait 10 days at sites where localized antibiotics were placed.

▶ What can I eat and drink?

Today stick to soft, cool-to-warm foods. Avoid very hot, spicy, acidic, seedy, or crunchy foods for 24–48 hours. Hydrate well; avoid alcohol for 24 hours (and while on antibiotics).

▶ When will I feel “back to normal”?

Most people feel fine within 2–3 days; gums continue improving for several weeks.

▶ Do I need to avoid exercise?

Skip strenuous workouts today; resume tomorrow if you feel comfortable.

▶ I was given chlorhexidine—how do I use it?

Swish 15 ml for 30 seconds, 2×/day for 1–2 weeks. Use it 30 minutes after brushing. It can temporarily stain—we can polish that off later. Don’t swallow.

▶ If you placed localized antibiotics (e.g., Arestin®, doxy gel), what should I avoid?

Don’t disturb those sites: no floss, toothpicks, interproximal brushes, water-flossers at those spots for 10 days; soft diet on that side for about a week.

▶ My teeth feel slightly loose—is that bad?

Temporary mobility can happen as inflamed tissue shrinks. It often improves with healing and better home care. Let us know if it persists.

▶ Can I smoke or vape?

Please avoid for 48–72 hours—tobacco/nicotine slows healing and worsens periodontal disease.

▶ Do I need special toothpaste?

A desensitizing (potassium-nitrate) toothpaste helps. For high-risk areas we may recommend fluoride toothpaste or varnish.

▶ When is my re-check?

We’ll re-evaluate healing in 4–6 weeks (measure pockets, bleeding, sensitivity). Most patients then move to periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months.

▶ Will SRP fix everything?

It’s the critical first step. If some deep pockets/bleeding remain, we’ll discuss additional therapy (site antimicrobials, surgical options, bite adjustments, or restorative fixes).

We’re here for you. If you’re unsure about anything—call us. If you ever experience trouble breathing, rapidly spreading swelling, or difficulty swallowing, call 911 or go to the ER.

How to reach us

Prime Emergency Dental

(425) 864-7600