Post Operative Instructions - Gum Disease Therapy

Managing Discomfort and Pain

It is normal to experience some discomfort following gum disease therapy, especially if you have had deep cleaning or surgery performed. This can include soreness, tenderness, or swelling in your gums. You may also notice your gums feeling sensitive when brushing or flossing for the first few days.

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken as needed to manage mild to moderate discomfort. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label or as advised by our office.
• Swelling: Swelling around the treated areas is common, especially if surgical treatment is performed. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 24-48 hours post-treatment. This will help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Soreness: Tenderness in your gums is normal after treatment. This discomfort typically decreases after a few days. If the soreness persists or worsens, please contact our office for advice.

Eating and Drinking

After your gum disease therapy, it is important to be mindful of the foods and beverages you consume to promote healing.

• Soft Foods: During the first few days after treatment, stick to a diet of soft foods that require minimal chewing. Foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup (without chunks), scrambled eggs, and smoothies are good options. Avoid foods that are tough, hard, or chewy, as these can irritate your gums or cause discomfort.
• Avoid Hot and Spicy Foods: Hot or spicy foods can irritate your healing gums and may cause discomfort. Stick to cooler, bland foods until your gums have fully healed.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction can disrupt the healing process in the treated areas.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol for the first few days after treatment, as it can interfere with the healing process and interact with any prescribed medications you may be taking.

Oral Hygiene and Cleaning

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to healing after gum disease therapy. However, it’s important to be gentle during the initial stages of healing.

• Brushing: You can resume brushing your teeth 24 hours after your treatment. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently, especially in the treated areas. Do not scrub the gums directly, as this may cause irritation.
• Flossing: We recommend waiting 3-4 days before resuming flossing in the treated areas. Be gentle when flossing and avoid any aggressive pulling or snapping of the floss. If you had surgery, you may need to wait longer before flossing. Follow the instructions our team gave you.
• Mouthwash: We may recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help reduce bacteria and promote healing. Use the mouth rinse as directed, and be sure not to rinse your mouth too vigorously, as this can disturb the treatment areas.

Managing Bleeding

Minor bleeding is common immediately following gum disease therapy, especially after a deep cleaning or periodontal surgery. If you experience any bleeding, follow these steps:

• Gentle Pressure: If bleeding occurs, bite down gently on a piece of clean gauze or a moistened tea bag for 10-15 minutes. This can help control the bleeding and promote clotting.
• Avoid Spitting: For the first 24 hours, avoid spitting forcefully or sucking through a straw, as this can dislodge the clot and lead to more bleeding.
• Contact Us: If bleeding persists or is severe, contact our office immediately for further instructions. It may indicate that there is a complication that needs to be addressed.

Activity Restrictions

To ensure proper healing after gum disease therapy, it’s important to limit certain physical activities.

• Rest: After your procedure, take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous physical activities, such as heavy exercise, lifting, or sports, as this can increase blood flow to the treated area and potentially lead to excessive swelling or bleeding.
• Sleeping: When you go to bed, try to sleep with your head elevated on pillows for the first few nights to reduce swelling.

Follow-Up Appointments

It’s crucial to attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled. These appointments allow us to monitor your healing progress, remove any stitches if needed, and ensure that the gums are responding well to the treatment.

• Re-Evaluation:A follow-up visit will typically be scheduled within 2-4 weeks of your treatment to assess the effectiveness of the therapy and check for any signs of ongoing gum disease. During this appointment, we will evaluate your gums, take any necessary X-rays, and determine if any further treatments are needed.
• Ongoing Care: Periodontal care doesn’t stop after treatment. Regular maintenance visits every 3-6 months are important to monitor your gum health and prevent future disease.

Avoiding Tobacco Use

Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, can significantly interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of developing gum disease again. We highly recommend that you avoid using tobacco products after your therapy to promote faster healing and long-term gum health.

Warning Signs and Complications

While some discomfort is normal after gum disease therapy, certain signs may indicate complications. If you experience any of the following, please contact our office immediately:

• Severe or prolonged pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication.
• Persistent bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes of gentle pressure.
• Increased swelling or redness around the gums.
• Pus or drainage from the treated area, which could indicate an infection.
• A noticeable change in the fit of your teeth or bite.

Long-Term Care

Once your gums have healed, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental checkups to prevent future gum disease. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our office for routine cleanings and exams.

If you notice any changes in your gum health, such as bleeding, swelling, or sensitivity, be sure to schedule an appointment with us right away.

Thank you for choosing Greater Dental Health. We are here to support you throughout your recovery and beyond!

Conclusion

Your gum disease therapy is an important step toward maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. By following these post-operative care instructions, you can help ensure that your gums heal properly and that your oral health is restored. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Thank you for choosing Greater Dental Health. We are here to support you throughout your recovery and beyond!