Leading up to your gum contouring procedure, try to limit physical activity and rest as much as possible. Being in a relaxed state leading up to the procedure will improve your ability to remain calm during the procedure, which will make performing the procedure easier for your periodontist and improve your body’s ability to heal faster.

Once the gum contouring procedure is complete, you will be provided with aftercare instructions. It is important to follow these instructions as closely as possible to facilitate the healing process and avoid developing or prolonging post-procedural symptoms. During this recovery time, it is not uncommon for some scabbing to occur, with tissue coming off while the area continues to heal. This is completely natural and will not have any long-term impact on the appearance of the area that has been treated.

Aftercare Following Gum Contouring

In addition to closely following post-operative instructions that are unique to your recovery needs, the following methods are the most effective ways to reduce pain and sensitivity and ensure a fast recovery, which generally takes between 7-10 days.

Saline Rinse

One effective method for facilitating the healing process is to use a saline rinse (one teaspoon of salt + 8 ounces of water + one capful of hydrogen peroxide) following a meal or snack.

Swelling

To help reduce swelling, place ice packs over the affected area, leaving them on for twenty minutes and taking them off for twenty minutes.

Prescription Medication, Over-the-Counter Medication, and Antibiotics

Any pain or discomfort you feel following the gum contouring procedure can typically be managed with over-the-counter medication, such as Ibuprofen. Be sure to avoid medications that contain aspirin, as they can cause the blood to thin, resulting in bleeding.

Patients who are at an increased risk of developing an infection may also be provided with antibiotic treatment. Whatever medication you take, be sure to follow the recommended dose until your prescription is complete.

Limit Activity

One of the most effective ways you can reduce pain and speed up your recovery process following gum contouring is to rest and avoid strenuous activity, especially for the first two or three days following the procedure. Engaging in strenuous physical activity can result in too much blood flow, which can cause bleeding, swelling, and increased discomfort.

 Modified Diet

Patients will typically experience gum sensitivity following the gum contouring procedure. One of the best ways to avoid this discomfort is to avoid eating crunchy or hard foods and stick to a soft food diet until the pain and sensitivity has diminished or gone away. Crunchy or hard foods can irritate the gum tissue, which can prolong the recovery process.

If you follow these aftercare instructions, any pain you experience following the gum contouring procedure should begin to diminish with a few days and be gone completely within a few weeks once the gums have fully healed.

If you have followed these best practices and continue to experience discomfort after this time, contact our office to schedule a follow-up appointment.

Gum Contouring Information : Pain after Gum Contouring