Post-operative instructions
Eating
No food restrictions overall, but wait until the anesthetic has fully worn off before eating solid food, to avoid biting the tongue or cheek. For the first 24–48 hours, avoid very hot foods and crunchy foods, seeds, and nuts.
Bleeding
Some bleeding while brushing today or tomorrow is normal, including pink toothpaste when spitting. Don't pick at the teeth or gums. Blood mixes with saliva and looks like more than it is. Contact your dentist if there's oozing or continuous bleeding beyond 24 hours.
Swelling
Swelling isn't typically expected after perioscope therapy. If you do notice swelling, contact your dentist.
Discomfort
Some gum tenderness is normal. Hot and cold sensitivity can occur after scope therapy. A sensitivity toothpaste can help with dentinal hypersensitivity.
Oral hygiene
Continue your normal brushing and flossing. Avoid the water flosser for the first 24–48 hours. Rinse with warm salt water 2–3 times a day for 2–3 days: 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water, dissolved, swished for 30 seconds. Do not use an alcohol-based mouthrinse for two weeks.
Follow-up
Long-term results depend on consistent home care — brushing, water flosser, proxabrushes, flossing — and periodontal maintenance visits every 3 months with your dentist and hygienist. Perioscope therapy allows precise, non-surgical removal of bacteria, plaque, and calculus below the gumline; home care and follow-up visits carry the majority of long-term success.
Oozing or continuous bleeding beyond 24 hours, swelling of any kind, or discomfort that doesn't improve with time — contact your dental office rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit.