Tissue Discomfort
After Periodontal Treatment, it common to have sore or irritated gums. If you experience any swelling and/or discomfort, follow instructions below which outline how to manage discomfort during healing.
Bleeding
Some bleeding may occur while brushing, flossing, using a waterpik, this is normal and should resolve on its own after 3 days. However, if you are experiencing bleeding for longer than 7 days, please contact our office.
Tooth Sensitivity
Your tooth/teeth may be sensitive to temperature after periodontal treatment, this is normal and usually resolves on its own over time. However, if you are experiencing discomfort for longer than 7 days, please contact our office.
Changes to the Appearance of your Teeth and Gums
After healing occurs, there may be gum recession which can lead to cosmetic changes in your smile. You may notice the margins/edges of crowns/fillings more, a longer tooth appearance, and/or wider spaces in between your teeth which may trap more food and debris.
Dental Local Anesthetic
If you received local anesthetic for today’s procedure, please limit chewing, eating, and consumption of hot beverages until you have full “feeling” back. The local anesthetic effects should resolve within 4 hours. You may experience soreness at the injection sites, this is normal and will resolve on its own in about 3 days. However, if you are experiencing discomfort for longer than 7 days, please contact our office.
DentLaser Therapy
If you received laser therapy during today’s procedure:
– Rinse 3x/day with warm salt water for 3 days
– Salt water rinses if there is discomfort
• 1 cup warm water with 1-2 tsp celtic or Himalayan sea salt dissolved
• Swish for 30 seconds–one minute and spit out
– No flossing or oral irrigator/waterpik use for 3 days
– After 3 days, when using an oral irrigator/waterpik, start on the low pressure setting, slowly build up to medium pressure
– Follow an alkaline/anti-inflammatory diet for the next 6-8 weeks to promote healing
Oral Hygiene
Brush, floss, and use other periodontal cleaning aids as you have been instructed, it is important to begin establishing proper oral self-care habits immediately.
Schedule your next hygiene appointment to ensure you stay on the proper periodontal cleaning interval recommended by Dr. Kaur or Dr. Petersen.
Managing Discomfort During Healing
Soft diet 3-7 days, avoid extreme hot/cold temperatures
Avoid acidic foods and beverages as well as nuts and seeds
Alternating warm and cold compresses: 5-15 minutes 1-2 times per day
Warm salt water rinses
– 1 cup warm water with 1-2 tsp celtic or Himalayan sea salt dissolved
– swish for 30 seconds–one minute and spit out
Arnica Montana (homeopathic remedy) as directed on bottle
Hypericum Performata (homeopathic remedy) as directed on bottle
Anti-inflammatory herbs
– turmeric, cloves, chamomile, ginger, garlic, cat’s claw –take as directed on bottle or by healthcare provider
Natural Remedies
– tulsi, coconut oil, licorice, cat’s claw –take as directed on bottle or by healthcare provider
OTC anti-inflammatory medication
– ibuprofen/naproxen sodium- take as directed on bottle or by healthcare provider
If you are experiencing pain, swelling or something that does not feel “right,” please contact our office immediately (952)956-6700
The information provided is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of a qualified integrative physician. The products listed above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided above is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular product is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A qualified integrative physician or other medical professional should be consulted before taking any natural product, changing your diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.