Gum contouring is relatively painless and requires minimal downtime. Most patients are able to return to their normal lives the day after treatment. However, it is common to experience sore, swollen, or sensitive gums. Generally, these symptoms fade within 10 days of treatment. Following your dentist’s instructions carefully and taking good care of your gums can encourage a speedy gum contouring recovery and enhance your final results.
For the first few days, you should eat mainly soft, cool foods, such as yogurt, eggs, pasta, soft vegetables, and ice cream.
After gum contouring, you should continue to maintain a consistent oral health routine. However, you will need to take special care when brushing or flossing the treated area. Your dentist can instruct you as to when and how to brush your teeth during the healing process. Most dentist recommend using a soft bristled brush and applying gentle pressure.
You may also be instructed to use a saline rinse. Combine a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and swish the mixture around in your mouth. This treatment is most effective after a meal or a snack as it can remove food debris and residue.
For most patients, discomfort after a gum contouring procedure is minimal. If you do experience pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. However, do not use aspirin-based medications, as these can thin your blood and cause excessive bleeding. You should discuss pain management methods with your dentist before treatment.
For the first few days, you should eat mainly soft, cool foods, such as yogurt, eggs, pasta, soft vegetables, and ice cream. These types of foods are more gentle on your gums and can help them recuperate. Until your gums fully heal, avoid spicy foods as well as food with seeds, including:
Foods with sharp edges or small seeds can cut or irritate your gums while they heal and extend your recovery time.
Your recovery time will depend on how quickly your body heals. Some patients recover within a few days, while others require two weeks. In general, the average recovery time lasts between one week and 10 days.
By carefully following your dentist’s instructions, you can expect to recover from gum contouring quickly and easily. If your symptoms persist longer than two weeks, contact your dentist to ensure there are no complications.
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