Post-Operative Instructions Following Oral Prophylaxis
Professional cleaning is the beginning of healthier gums - daily care helps preserve the result
Scaling and root planing removes plaque and hardened calculus from around and below the gumline, creating a cleaner root surface and supporting periodontal healing.
If Local Anaesthesia Was Used
Do not eat or chew until the numbness has completely worn off. This helps prevent accidental biting of the cheek, lip or tongue. Once normal sensation returns, resume eating according to your comfort and the dietary guidance below.
The First 24-48 Hours
Mild gum tenderness, slight bleeding and tooth sensitivity can occur after periodontal cleaning. For the first 24-48 hours, avoid extremely hot or cold foods if they trigger sensitivity. Acidic foods may also be uncomfortable. Avoid hard or sharp foods such as popcorn, chips and seeds for several days because particles can irritate healing gum tissues.
Brushing & Interdental Cleaning
Brush gently twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not floss the treated area on the evening of treatment; begin again after approximately 24 hours unless your clinician has given different instructions. As tenderness settles, careful daily cleaning between the teeth is important for maintaining the result of professional periodontal therapy.
Rinsing
Follow the specific rinsing instructions given by your treating clinician. If you were advised not to rinse immediately after treatment, allow the tissues to settle and begin any prescribed or recommended rinse only at the advised time. Avoid vigorous rinsing while the gums are tender or bleeding.
Sensitivity & Gum Changes
Temporary sensitivity to cold or touch can occur after calculus is removed and previously covered root surfaces become exposed. This usually improves with time. Your gums may also look slightly different as inflammation reduces; over the following days they should generally appear less swollen, bleed less readily and become healthier in colour and contour.
Discomfort & Medication
Some gum soreness can occur after deeper cleaning. Take prescribed medication exactly as directed. If your dentist has advised an over-the-counter pain reliever, use it only if medically suitable for you and according to the recommended dose. Contact the clinic if discomfort is severe, increasing or persists beyond what you were advised to expect.
Smoking & Tobacco
The original instructions advise avoiding smoking for at least 24 hours after treatment. Because tobacco use is an important risk factor for periodontal disease and can impair tissue healing, a longer period of abstinence - and ideally stopping tobacco use - provides greater benefit to long-term gum health.
When to Contact SR Dental Zone
Please contact us if you develop persistent or increasing swelling, significant bleeding that does not settle, severe or worsening pain, fever, discharge or a persistent bad taste, marked tooth mobility, or any unexpected concern following treatment.
Periodontal Maintenance: Why It Matters
The original instructions recommend periodontal maintenance every three months following deep cleaning. This is different from a routine six-month preventive visit: patients treated for periodontal disease may need more frequent professional maintenance according to their individual gum health and risk profile.
Your maintenance interval should be personalised.
After scaling and root planing, your clinician will assess healing and advise whether you require periodontal maintenance approximately every three months or a different interval based on your response and long-term risk.
The SR Dental Zone Approach
SR Dental Zone describes periodontal care as part of long-term oral wellness and smile preservation. Its clinical philosophy emphasizes prevention, periodontal evaluation and individual risk-based planning to protect natural teeth, restorations and oral health over time. Periodontal care may also form part of multidisciplinary treatment when restorative, implant or esthetic treatment is planned.
Important Reminders
1. A mandatory check-up should be scheduled within 72 hours of treatment completion.
2. Schedule a follow-up visit at SR Dental Zone every six months for the professional preventive care recommended after treatment completion.
3. If you have undergone scaling and root planing for periodontal disease, follow the more frequent periodontal-maintenance interval recommended by your clinician - commonly around every three months when indicated.
Individual care matters.
The extent of periodontal disease, gum response, smoking/tobacco exposure, medical history, restorations and home-care effectiveness can change the maintenance schedule. Your personalised clinical instructions take priority
