How To Manage Pain Following Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planning is a procedure used for someone suffering from gum disease. It involves removing built up of plaque from the teeth by scraping it off and then smoothing down the roots, so the gums can reattach.

Thanks to modern dentistry, it is not a painful procedure and it is effective.

That does not mean there are not some things that will happen after having the procedure. One of the things that people have after scaling and root planning is some pain. Knowing how to manage that pain is an important part of recovery from this procedure.

Pain Comes in Many Forms

When it comes to pain, there are many variables to consider. The depth of the scaling and root planning, the age of the person, the individual’s ability to tolerate pain and the aftercare instructions that they follow all play a role in how much pain a person has. Thankfully, there are many things a person can do to manage the different levels of pain.

• Pain from swelling – Swelling is common after this procedure and can cause discomfort. Ice packs and rinsing with salt water are some of the ways to limit the swelling and manage that pain.
• Tooth sensitivity – Another common thing after the procedure, managing this pain through over the counter pain relievers and desensitizing toothpaste can help.
• Moderate pain – For moderate levels of pain, over the counter pain medications may offer the most relief.
• Severe pain – For anyone that has severe pain after scaling and root planning, over the counter and home remedies do not help. Prescription pain medication can help a person manage severe pain.

Pain is the body’s response when something is wrong. The pain from scaling and root planning should subside and go away over the course of a few days. If the pain continues or if it is more than you can bear, you need to contact your dental professional for more help. Always remember to follow post-op instructions when they are given. It is possible that there is a problem after the procedure that will not go away unless you do something about it.

For more information about how to manage your oral health issues, call our team of dental professionals at South Ogden: (801) 475-5577 or Kaysville: (801) 444-2696.