Post Anti-Infective Therapy

Anti-infective therapy is part of the initial approach to treat your deep pockets and periodontal (gum) disease. It consists of decontamination of the roots’ surface as well as the adjacent gum tissues. The clinician uses special instruments to reach the base of the pockets, flushing away the aggressive bacteria while smoothing the roots' surfaces.

What to expect and what to do?

• Gum shrinkage (recession and gaps/holes between teeth): this is permanent and is a good sign of healing. After bacterial removal, your gums start becoming healthier and less inflamed by shrinking and firming up. This causes gum pockets to become shallower, which is a sign that the periodontal disease is stabilizing.
  
  
• Soreness and tenderness in the treated areas: this is temporary and the severity is often associated with the degree of pre-existing inflammation. You can take over-the-counter painkillers (Advil, Aleve, Tylenol) as needed. Rinse with salt water (¼ tsp in 1 cup of warm water). The better you clean afterwards, the faster the gums heal.
  
  
• Tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, sweets and/or acidic foods: there will be more exposed tooth root surfaces as a result of the gum shrinkage and the sensitivity may persist long-term. Use a sensitive toothpaste like Sensodyne to not only brush, but also to scrub onto the sensitive areas without rinsing. Fluoridated mouthrinses are useful too. You can also consult your general dentist to apply a professional-grade desensitizer.
  
  
• Bite changes/sensitivity: as your teeth and gums heal, your teeth may shift slightly resulting in new contact areas between your upper and lower teeth. If there is continual discomfort when biting or chewing, you may benefit from a bite adjustment from your dentist. Biting pain may be worsened with clenching/grinding habits.

Things to keep in mind:

• Every person is unique with a different pain threshold, immune system reaction, and level of disease.
  
  
• Fighting the aggressive bacteria which cause gum disease requires teamwork. Your collaboration and active involvement are fundamental to achieving good results. Although the gums will be tender after anti-infective therapy, try to do your best to keep everything nice and clean.
  
  
• The SulcaBrush provided to you in the appointment is your best friend from now on. Please use it daily
  
  
• Waterpik and interdental/proxabrushes are highly recommended for managing gum disease and pocket reduction.
  
  
• If you smoke, stopping or even reducing smoking during the following 6 weeks will greatly improve the results.
  
  
• You will return for a re-evaluation after 6 weeks of healing (or earlier if discussed with your periodontist). At that time, we will assess the initial results and your response to therapy. We will also customize your prescription for ongoing care, which in most cases include maintenance therapy every 3 months and possible surgical care. Periodontal disease has no cure and requires lifelong management.
  
  
• Let us know if you have any concerns after therapy. You will receive all the support that you need.

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