Written by Richard Dawson, DMD ICOI Fellow Reviewed by John Turke DMD Updated May 2026

Patient Resources -- Smile Science Dental Spa, Glendale AZ

Scaling and Root Planing Post-Procedural Instructions

Gum care, sensitivity management, and home hygiene routines following your deep cleaning appointment.

When to Call Our Office

Contact us at (480) 530-3663 if you develop a fever, notice significant swelling or an abscess in the gum, experience bleeding that does not slow within an hour, or if pain is worsening after Day 3 rather than improving. For a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1.

3 Rules for Recovery

Brush your teeth today -- clean gums heal faster. Be gentle but do not skip it.

Floss daily starting Day 2 -- removing bacteria at the gumline is how gum disease is reversed.

Your next visit is in 3 to 4 months, not 6 -- this periodontal maintenance schedule is essential.

Smile Science Dental Spa 20118 N 67th Ave Ste 308, Glendale, AZ 85308
(480) 530-3663 • smilescience.com

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical deep cleaning that removes bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so gum tissue can reattach. It is the most effective first-line treatment for periodontal disease. Your home care in the weeks following this procedure determines whether the treatment succeeds -- your actions at home are as important as the procedure itself.

Today -- Immediately After Your Appointment

The numbness will wear off in 2 to 4 hours. During this time, avoid eating on the treated side and be careful not to bite your cheek or lip.
Some bleeding is normal. Light oozing from the treated gum tissue is expected today and may continue lightly into Day 2. Rinse gently with cool water if needed -- do not spit forcefully.
Begin pain management: Ibuprofen 400 mg taken every 6 hours as needed is effective for most patients. The gum tissue is inflamed and has been instrumented -- some soreness is normal and expected.
Brush your teeth this evening. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure. Do not skip brushing out of soreness -- clean tissue heals more effectively than tissue left with plaque.
Avoid hot foods and beverages today -- heat increases gum sensitivity when tissues are inflamed.
No smoking. Tobacco is a primary driver of periodontal disease and impairs gum tissue healing. Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours after your procedure.

Days 1 through 3

Salt water rinse: Begin warm salt water rinses on Day 1 or 2 (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water). Swish gently for 30 seconds and spit. Repeat after meals and before bed. This reduces bacterial load and supports tissue healing.
Begin flossing on Day 2. Floss gently around each tooth, sliding below the gumline where your hygienist instrumented. Some bleeding during flossing is normal and expected -- it reflects the existing inflammation. With consistent flossing, bleeding will decrease over 2 to 3 weeks.
Gum sensitivity and soreness typically peak in the first 24 to 48 hours and then gradually improve. Cold sensitivity on the teeth is also common as the gums begin to recede slightly during healing, exposing more root surface.
Chlorhexidine rinse: If a prescription chlorhexidine (Peridex) rinse was provided, begin using it as directed -- typically 30 seconds twice daily. Do not eat, drink, or rinse with water for 30 minutes after use. Chlorhexidine may cause temporary tooth staining.
Antibiotics: If prescribed, take the complete course as directed. Do not stop early.

Week 1 and Beyond

Your gums may look like they are receding. This is normal -- the swelling that previously masked recession is resolving. The gum tissue is not disappearing; the infection-related puffiness is. This is a sign the treatment is working.
Tooth sensitivity to cold may persist for 2 to 8 weeks as newly exposed root surfaces adapt. Sensitivity toothpaste (potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride-based) used twice daily is the most effective management tool.
Consistent home care is the treatment: Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and use any prescribed rinses. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease re-establish within 72 hours if plaque is not disrupted. Home care between visits is what determines the outcome of your treatment.
Diet: A normal diet is appropriate within a day or two. Avoid very hard or crunchy foods that can traumatize inflamed gum tissue for the first week.

Your Periodontal Maintenance Schedule

Your follow-up is in 3 to 4 months -- not 6. After SRP, periodontal maintenance visits are scheduled at 3- to 4-month intervals. This is a clinical requirement, not a preference. Six-month intervals allow bacteria to re-establish at depths that require re-treatment.
At your re-evaluation appointment (typically 4 to 6 weeks after SRP), we will re-measure your pocket depths. Improving numbers confirm tissue reattachment and treatment success.
If pockets do not improve after a full course of SRP and consistent home care, we will discuss whether referral for surgical periodontal treatment is appropriate.

Warning Signs -- Call Our Office

Fever or general illness following your procedure -- this should not occur after a non-surgical cleaning.
An abscess or pustule appearing on the gum tissue -- a sign of acute infection that requires prompt treatment.
Swelling that is increasing after Day 2 rather than improving.
Pain that is worsening after Day 3 rather than gradually improving.
Bleeding that is heavy or does not slow within an hour of applying gentle pressure with gauze.

Questions at any stage of your recovery are welcome. Our team at Smile Science Dental Spa is here to help. Call us at (480) 530-3663 or visit us at 20118 N 67th Ave Ste 308, Glendale, AZ 85308.

Scaling and root planing at Smile Science Dental Spa is performed by Dr. Richard Dawson, DMD, ICOI Fellow, and reviewed in collaboration with Dr. John Turke, DMD. If you have questions specific to your case or your gums are not responding as expected, call us at (480) 530-3663. To learn more about periodontal care and deep cleaning services, visit our teeth cleaning page.

Frequently Asked Questions

My gums look like they are pulling back. Is the deep cleaning causing recession?

Not exactly -- what you are seeing is the resolution of gum inflammation. Before SRP, your gums were swollen with bacteria-driven inflammation, which made them look fuller and higher on the teeth. As the infection clears, the tissue returns to its healthy baseline position. Some additional root surface may become visible, and cold sensitivity can result. This is a sign of healing, not worsening. True recession is a separate concern we track at each visit.

Should I use mouthwash with alcohol after my deep cleaning?

No -- alcohol-based mouthwash is drying and can irritate recently instrumented gum tissue. If a chlorhexidine rinse was prescribed, use that instead. After completing the prescription course, a fluoride mouthwash or alcohol-free antimicrobial rinse is a better long-term choice. Ask us at your re-evaluation appointment which product is appropriate for your case.

How will I know if the deep cleaning worked?

At your re-evaluation appointment, typically 4 to 6 weeks after SRP, we will re-measure your periodontal pocket depths. A successful response is a reduction in pocket depth, less bleeding on probing, and firmer, more attached gum tissue. These are objective measurements we track over time. Patients who maintain consistent home care and keep their 3- to 4-month maintenance appointments see the best outcomes.

Is it normal for my teeth to feel more sensitive after the deep cleaning?

Yes -- increased sensitivity to cold, air, and sweets after SRP is common and expected. When calculus deposits are removed from root surfaces, previously covered areas of the root become exposed to oral fluids and temperature changes. This sensitivity typically peaks in the first week and gradually improves as the gum tissue heals and reattaches. Using a sensitivity toothpaste (look for potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride) twice daily will help. If sensitivity is severe or persists beyond 2 to 3 weeks, let us know at your re-evaluation visit.

How often do I need to come in for cleaning after SRP?

Most patients who have undergone SRP are moved to a periodontal maintenance schedule of every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard 6-month recall. This is not optional -- it is a clinical necessity. Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, only managed. Bacteria recolonize cleaned pockets within approximately 90 days, which is why 3-month intervals are the standard of care. After a sustained period of stability (typically 1 to 2 years), some patients may be moved to a 4-month schedule, but that decision is based on documented pocket depth measurements.

Can gum disease be cured with a deep cleaning?

SRP can resolve active periodontal infection and stop the disease from progressing -- but gum disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management rather than a one-time cure. After SRP, the key factor is consistent home care combined with regular maintenance appointments. Patients who brush twice daily, floss every day, and attend 3- to 4-month cleanings can maintain healthy gum attachment long-term. Patients who return to irregular habits see disease recurrence. The deep cleaning gives your mouth a fresh start -- what you do with it determines the long-term outcome.

These instructions were prepared by Dr. Richard Dawson, DMD, ICOI Fellow, and reviewed by Dr. John Turke, DMD. If your situation does not match what is described here, trust your clinical team -- call us at (480) 530-3663.

Questions or Concerns?

Contact our office any time during your recovery. We are here to help.

Call Our Office: (480) 530-3663