SRP Debridement

Deep Cleaning Instructions

How long will I be numb?

Your lips, teeth, and/or tongue may be numb for several hours after the procedure. To avoid injury to your tongue and lips, you should avoid chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It’s very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

Is it normal for my gums or jaw to be sore?

Irritation to the gum tissue can occur from dental work. Rinsing your mouth 2–3 times per day with ¼ tsp to 4 oz warm salt water can help alleviate discomfort. Injection sites can be sore for several days after your appointment. Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil/Ibuprofen can help to alleviate the tenderness.

Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush and floss?

You may encounter some bleeding while brushing and flossing. It is important to continue gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush and flossing even if bleeding occurs. As healing progresses, the bleeding will gradually reduce or disappear.

Why do I now have spaces between my teeth?

After removal of plaque and calculus buildup, it is common to have spaces between your teeth and gum tissues. Some spaces appear as “black triangles” near the gum area, whereas other spaces may separate the teeth. Brushing, waterpiking, flossing, and using interproximal aids regularly will keep the spaces from building up with plaque and calculus.