What to Know after Your Deep Cleaning
- The anesthesia will wear off about 1-3 hours after the procedure. It is very important not to chew on the numb side in order to prevent injury to the tongue, lips, and cheek on the affected side. If your entire mouth is numb, please do not eat until the anesthesia wears off.
- Use the prescribed Chlorohexidine mouth rinse for 1 month or until the bottle is finished. Swish with a ½ ounce every morning and evening after brushing. Do not rinse, eat or drink for 30 minutes after using the mouth rinse. Chlorohexidine is an antimicrobial rinse designed to minimize the harmful bacteria that are causing your periodontitis/gingivitis.
- If your gums feel tender or raw after the deep cleaning, please also rinse with a solution of warm water with salt in the first few days after the deep cleaning.
- You can immediately resume your normal homecare routine after the deep cleaning. Brush at least twice daily and floss once daily in the evening after eating.
- Refrain from smoking for 24-48 hours after the deep cleaning. Tobacco and nicotine will delay the healing of the tissues.
- Some slight bleeding may occur during the next several brushings. The bleeding should steadily decrease and subside after 2 or 3 days.
- If you experience discomfort or inflammation of the gums after your deep cleaning, do not be alarmed, this is a common complication. You can take over the counter ibuprofen to help with the pain and minimize inflammation.
- You may experience some sensitivity after a deep cleaning, this is normal. Now that the hardened buildup and plaque has been removed from your teeth, the underlying enamel, which is now exposed, may be sensitive. The sensitivity will resolve in a few days to weeks. In the meantime, you can use Sensodyne toothpaste or we can do a fluoride treatment in the office.
- In some cases, you may notice that the root surface of your teeth is more exposed after a deep cleaning. A deep cleaning removes the buildup causing gum inflammation. Once the gum inflammation has subsided, you will see more of your natural tooth structure. The gum recession may expose some crown margins or interproximal spaces between the teeth.
If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call! 214-415-2125