Healing After Gum Contouring
Gum contouring in cary north carolina is a relatively painless way to correct problems involving the gum tissue. If you feel you have too much gum tissue covering your tooth surface, you may have a gummy smile. Gum recession is a result of periodontal disease or simply age that can also be treated with contouring.
Living with a smile you don’t love is no fun. If you are uncomfortable showing those pearly whites because of gum tissue, gum contouring may be just the thing for you!
Recovery Time
The longer you are able to rest after gum surgery the shorter your recovery time will be. It is important to be well hydrated prior to surgery and to limit physical activity. The area of your surgery will be numb so you will not feel anything during the procedure. Once the anesthetic starts to wear off after surgery, you may feel pain and discomfort. General healing time ranges from one week to ten days. Here, we will discuss a few steps you can take to speed your recovery time.
- Oral Hygiene: For a couple of weeks after your gum contouring, it is important to be as gentle as possible when brushing and flossing. Using an alcohol-free mouthwash can be beneficial but a simple salt water solution will feel nice and help clean the area. Rinsing with your saline rinse after meals is an ideal way to remove any lingering food particles and residue.
- Pain Management: You will experience some swelling and tenderness in the area. This is normal and if you are uncomfortable, an over the counter pain medication can be taken to help with the pain, avoiding any medications that include aspirin. You may notice slight scabbing in the area which is also normal and will fall off as the area heals.
- Foods: You absolutely need to avoid spicy and crunchy food items. These will aggravate the area and slow your recovery. Do not consume any foods with small seeds that can get under the gum and cause irritation such as strawberries, kiwis, poppyseeds and popcorn. Some foods that are good to have on hand during your recovery include things like soft pasta, yogurt, eggs, soft cooked vegetables and of course, ice cream! The cold will feel nice and who doesn’t love an excuse for ice cream!
- Physical Activity: The more you limit your activity and allow your body to rest and recuperate, the quicker you will heal! Take some time off if you are a runner or do any weight-lifting.
Call your dentist to set up a consultation if you feel that gum contouring might be right for you. During your consultation, be sure to ask any questions you may have. Being well informed before a procedure can better prepare you for the procedure and healing time. Having a beautiful, healthy smile is important to not only your overall health, but your self-esteem!
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