Please read and follow these procedures as they will help make you more comfortable and prevent any possible complications.
· Care of Your Mouth: Rinse your mouth 2-3 times per day with warm (coffee temp.) salt water. One teaspoon salt / 8 oz. water. Start home care (brushing and flossing) immediately. In the beginning you may have to be gentle. Drink plenty of water.
· Discomfort: Your gums may become achy and over-the-counter pain medications will help minimize discomfort. Sensitivity to cold may temporarily occur. Removing all plaque from the tooth by brushing and flossing and placing a dab of fluoride toothpaste on the touchy tooth will stop cold or touch sensitivity in a few days. Take 600 mg Ibuprofen every 6 hrs for the first few days.
· Eating: Your next meal should be soft. Avoid any hard chippy foods like Fritos, Potato chips, Popcorn, etc. for the next 3-4 days.
· Swelling: Swelling or jaw stiffness occur very rarely, however if it does, place warm moist towels to the face in the area of stiffness.
· Smoking: Please do not smoke following scaling and root planning procedures. Tobacco smoke is an irritant to healing. Refrain from smoking for 24 hours or longer.
The success of your gum treatments depends on the improvement of your oral hygiene and commitment to routine professional care. If any problems arise feel free to call our office: 408.867.1800.