A deep cleaning gum therapy can be an uncomfortable process but you accomplished an important step in improving your oral and overall health! Bacterial plaque and calculus were removed from the tooth surfaces under the gum line. The goal was to provide clean and smooth tooth root surfaces to promote healing of the inflammation and infection of gum disease that can spread to other parts of our bodies.
What can I expect after the gum therapy is completed?
Tenderness of the gums and tooth sensitivity is normal for about 1 week. Your teeth may also feel tender to biting, as if your bite is high on that area.
Rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 glass of warm water) 2-3 times a day and over-the-counter pain relievers may help. Please be careful taking pain relievers if you have certain medical conditions or allergies. Sensodyne or other sensitivity toothpastes, fluoride, and tap water rinsing after meals and drinks will help with the sensitivity. Please note, sensitivity toothpastes usually take 1-2 weeks to start working.
When can I eat?
For your safety, it is best to wait until the numbness has gone away before eating. Foods that don't require chewing like a shake or smoothie may be best if you cannot wait for the numbness to wear off (2-4 hours after leaving the dental office). For 24 hours, please avoid crispy foods, seeds, chips, popcorn, or any other food where small food particles might get trapped under the gums.
Alcoholic beverages and smoking will delay or prevent proper healing. Smoking cessation is highly recommended. Spicy, hot, or cold food and drink may cause additional discomfort.
Can I brush my teeth after the therapy?
Continue to maintain good home care. The discomfort may require extra gentle brushing and flossing for the first couple days. If you have a water flosser such as a Waterpik, avoid using it for the first 24 hours, then use the low setting until any discomfort subsides. Avoid mouthrinses containing alcohol. Any antibacterial mouthrinses should only be used as directed by your dentist or hygienist.
What happens next?
Gum disease is like diabetes. It can never be cured, only managed and maintained. Today, we helped each other begin your management process by removing the bacteria that is causing the infection and inflammation in your gums. This disease infects and permanently destroys the bone supporting our teeth. It can circulate in our bloodstream to affect other parts of our body. Gum disease is a whole body process. We began treating the source of the infection, but we need your help to treat the rest of your body.
A healthy diet with the proper nutrients, exercise, quality sleep, stress management, and smoking cessation are all very important to achieve our goal. Other medical conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, acid reflux, Sjogren's and any other inflammatory conditions also affect the health and healing of our gums.
We also need each other's help to maintain healthy gums. We will usually recommend dental cleanings every 3-4 months. Good home care will help us to maintain your health. We recommend brushing 2-3 times per day with the Oral B electric toothbrush, daily flossing under the gums, a water flosser like the WaterPik, and mouthrinses like a basic Listerine or a prescription rinse like Chlorhexidine (please use Chlorhexidine rinse as directed by your dentist or hygienist).
What if I'm still bleeding?
Apply pressure to the area for 30 minutes, repeat if needed. If that doesn't help after 1-2 hours, moisten a tea bag, squeeze out the excess water, then apply the tea bag with pressure for 30 minutes. If the bleeding persists, please call us, urgent care, or go to the nearest emergency facility.
Urgent Care near our office:
Queen's Island Urgent Care Pearl Kai Shopping Center: 808-735-0007
Minute Clinic Long's Aiea: 866-389-2727
Urgent Care Hawaii, Pearl City: 808-784-2273
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at 808-488-1988 or [email protected]