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Deep Cleaning Post-Op Instructions
Following these guidelines can help reduce complications and speed up your recovery.
Post-Op Instructions
Deep Cleaning
Periodontal treatment helps remove plaque and bacteria deep beneath the gums to restore gum health. Proper home care before and after your scaling and root planing procedure ensures optimal healing and lasting results.
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Post-Op Instructions
Deep Cleaning
Deep Cleaning Post-Op Instructions:
Caring for Your Tooth After Deep Cleaning
1. Discomfort
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Mild soreness or gum tenderness is normal for a few days.
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Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for discomfort, following package directions.
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If sensitivity or pain worsens after several days, contact your dentist.
2. Bleeding
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Slight bleeding or pink saliva may occur for 24–48 hours.
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If bleeding continues, apply gentle pressure with a moist gauze pad for 20–30 minutes.
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Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours.
3. Oral Hygiene
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Brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
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Begin gentle flossing or interdental cleaning the next day unless advised otherwise.
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Use a desensitizing toothpaste (like Sensodyne) if your teeth feel sensitive to cold.
4. Rinsing
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Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.
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After that, rinse gently with: Warm salt water (½ tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) 2–3 times daily for several days, or Any antimicrobial mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist (such as chlorhexidine).
5. Diet
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Avoid eating until the numbness wears off to prevent biting your cheeks or tongue.
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Stick to soft foods for the first 24–48 hours (soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, etc.).
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Avoid spicy, crunchy, or very hot foods.
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Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least 48 hours.
6. Sensitivity
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Temporary tooth sensitivity to cold or sweets is common.
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Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and avoid acidic foods or drinks (like citrus, soda, or vinegar).
7. Follow-Up
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Schedule and attend your periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months as recommended.
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Continue excellent daily oral hygiene to prevent reinfection.
8. Call Your Dentist If You Experience:
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Persistent or heavy bleeding
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Severe or increasing pain or swelling
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Signs of infection (fever, pus, or bad taste/odor)
Thank you for choosing Lexington Dental Frisco! If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 469-598-1027— we’re always happy to help you stay comfortable and smiling.
Deep cleaning, also known as dental scaling and root planing, is an essential non-surgical therapy designed to treat gum disease, eliminate deep plaque, and restore oral health. At Lexington Dental Frisco, located at 11411 Coit Rd, Suite 170, Frisco, TX 75035, Dr. Eunyoung Shim provides personalized periodontal care and step-by-step post-procedure instructions for patients across Frisco, Prosper, McKinney, and Little Elm. Adhering to targeted home care guidelines after a deep cleaning session ensures comfortable healing, calms inflamed tissues, and protects your smile from future bacterial buildup.
Immediately following scaling and root planing, mild gum tenderness, minor bleeding, and heightened tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures are normal. Avoid eating hot, crunchy, or spicy foods while local anesthesia is active to prevent accidental biting of your lips or cheeks. Gently rinsing with a warm saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water) two to three times daily helps soothe tender gums. Continue brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss gently to keep cleaned root surfaces free of fresh bacterial plaque.
Consistent maintenance is critical to preventing the recurrence of periodontal disease. Dr. Eunyoung Shim recommends returning for regular periodontal maintenance checkups every 3 to 4 months to measure pocket depths, evaluate tissue reattachment, and preserve surrounding bone structure. If you experience persistent discomfort, severe swelling, or prolonged bleeding following your scaling and root planing appointment, contact Lexington Dental Frisco directly at 469-598-1027 for clinical support.
Quick Answers
Have Questions? Get Fast Answers
Q: What can I eat after a dental deep cleaning at Lexington Dental Frisco?
Wait until local numbing wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Stick to soft, mild foods like eggs, yogurt, pasta, and lukewarm soup for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods.
Q: Is tooth sensitivity normal after scaling and root planing?
Yes, mild tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet temperatures is normal for a few days to weeks after deep cleaning because clean root surfaces are exposed. Using a desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate sensitivity.
Q: How do I soothe bleeding or tender gums after a deep cleaning?
Rinse gently with warm saltwater (1/2 tsp salt in warm water) two to three times daily. Continue gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid vigorous rinsing or aggressive flossing for the first few days.
Q: How often do I need dental cleanings after completing scaling and root planing?
Dr. Eunyoung Shim typically recommends periodontal maintenance appointments every 3 to 4 months instead of standard 6-month cleanings to keep bacterial levels low and monitor pocket depths.
