Healing After Gum Contouring
Gum contouring involves the careful and precise layering and removal of gum tissue to ensure a shapely and aligned smile. It is considered a cosmetic procedure in most cases, but it can be crucial to the development of your smile. Everyone feels better when they feel confident in their smile.
What is required for Gum Contouring?
Dental professionals have often used a scalpel in the past, in combination with a lot of local anesthetic and oral [ain gels. The tissue then requires the same amount of recovery time as any other cut, about 2-4 weeks. During that time patients should limit exposure to overly acidic, sweet, spicy, hot, or cold foods. However, there is new updated technology like lasers and radio surgical units that can exponentially increase the healing and recovery time. Ultimately what is required for the procedure is; the patient, gum tissue (in some cases an additional gum tissue graft), some surgically instrument like laser or scalpel, and some pain medication. The procedure is typically done outpatient, and the patient goes home that day with a care kit and instructions.
What is the recovery like?
The procedure is often painful in the recovery stage. It is just the nature of tissue alteration. Immediately the patient has medication and they are so excited to see their new smile, when they get home and that excitement fades–they are stuck with the results. A large section of your tissue has been sliced, manipulated, or singed with a laser–pain is expected. However most patient report that over the counter pain medications reduce the pain to very manageable levels. The general recommendation is to take time to rest and recover, and keep your meals bland for a week or so while the gums recover. Be sure to stay hydrated to help the healing process.
Do I still brush and floss after the procedure?
Yes, but carefully. Do not, obviously, do anything which causes you pain. While it is typically advised that you brush your gums during your daily hygiene, maybe not right away. They did just get surgically reshaped. After a week or two you should be able to gently brush them in a circular motion towards the tooth, to help protect your new gums from any early signs of accumulation.
Feel free to use mouthwash, and ask your dentist about any special dental products they may want you to use during this time. Some may recommend a medicated mouthwash, while others may simply advise on an alcohol free one.
During the recovery time, be sure to avoid
* Strenuous Labor
* High Acid foods and drinks (Fruit Juices and Soda)
* Smoking Cigarettes, Cigars, Pipes, or Vaporizers
* Alcohol- This is certain to burn
Speak with your dental care team and hygienist about what your best recovery options are. After all, every patients experience with contouring is going to ultimately fall on them. Everyone’s needs, pain levels, and desires are different. No matter what, be sure to follow your dentist’s advice when it comes to avoiding infection. The last thing you want is an infection to jeopardize all the hard work and money you spent on your new smile.
