ACTIVITY: After leaving our dental office today, we suggest you consider relaxing or at least limiting your activity as much as possible for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activity and aerobic exercise for the next 3 days.
DISCOMFORT: Some discomfort may be present when the anesthesia wears off. You have been given a prescription for an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) analgesic. Please take one tab every 8 hours for the first 3 days. This drug will greatly decrease the possibility of post-surgical swelling and pain and has been shown to accelerate healing.
After the first 3 days, 2 Tylenol, or 2 Advil taken every 4-6 hours as needed, should keep you comfortable. Should intense discomfort occur at any time after the surgery, please take the narcotic medication (if one has been prescribed for you), as directed, or telephone D. Bradley Dean, DDS and he will phone in a narcotic prescription for you. You may take both the narcotic and NSAID together. Their analgesic effect will be synergistic.
SWELLING: It is normal for some swelling to occur after surgery, particularly in the lower jaw. To minimize swelling after surgery, apply an ice bag wrapped in a light tea towel or handkerchief to the outside of your face over the operated area.
This should be left on your face for about 20 minutes, then removed for 20 minutes, or alternated from side-to-side, between operated areas, for 2-3 hours after surgery. The use of both ice and the NSAID analgesic as described above will reduce the amount and duration of facial swelling.
BLEEDING: It is common to have slight bleeding for a few hours following periodontal surgery. If bleeding persists, apply a tea bag to the surgical site with firm but gentle pressure for 15-20 minutes. Let yourself rest for 15 minutes then repeat the application of the tea bag for a second time if you still have slight bleeding.
If excessive bleeding continues, please call our office. Remember, most of the blood you may see in your mouth is actually a little bit of blood mixed with a lot of saliva. Blood is a very strong “dye” and a little bit of blood will color your saliva dramatically.
ORAL HYGIENE: Brushing and oral hygiene procedures should be done as usual in all untreated areas. In exposed, operated areas limit your oral hygiene to brushing using a soft bristled toothbrush. In areas covered by periodontal dressing, brush only the chewing surfaces of teeth.
Avoid dental flossing in operated areas during the first week following surgery. No undiluted mouthwash, salt water or peroxide rinses should be used during the first week following surgery. Also avoid the use of water irrigation devices such as Water-piks for 1 month following surgery.
The exposed operated areas should be gently swabbed with a Q-tip (cotton tipped applicator) saturated with Peridex (Chlorhexidine) as a last oral hygiene procedure at bedtime and again in the morning, after eating and drinking.
EATING AND DRINKING: Do not try to eat until all the anesthesia (numbness) has worn off. High protein foods and liquids are desirable for 3-5 days following surgery. Semi-solid foods may be eaten as long as this may be done comfortably. Eggs, custard, yogurt, pasta, steamed vegetables, casseroles, cooked cereals are some things that you might consider eating during the first few days following your surgery.
Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, very hot or very cold foods or liquids. Also, avoid nuts, chips or other crunchy or fibrous foods which may become caught between your teeth. No smoking or drinking through a straw and no carbonated or alcoholic beverages for 48 hours following surgery.
The following nutritional supplements have been found to aid in surgical healing. Taking the following dosages for at least 4-6 weeks following your surgery can enhance healing:
Multi-vitamin with minerals: Take once a day. Calcium: Take 500mg twice daily. Vitamin E: Take 400mg. Vitamin C: Take 1000mg once daily.
These nutritional supplements are all over the counter (OTC) items and may be purchased at a drug store, health food store or the health food section of many grocery stores.
USE OF REMOVABLE DENTAL APPLIANCES: If you normally wear a removable appliance which replaces missing teeth, and it rests on the operated area, it is best to minimize the use of this appliance as any pressure on the surgical site could be detrimental to healing and cause discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gums grow back after gingivectomy?
Gums don’t fully grow back after a gingivectomy. The procedure removes excess gum tissue permanently. However, your gums will heal and form a new gum line. Healing takes about two to four weeks. Proper oral hygiene is crucial during this time. Your periodontist will monitor the healing process. In some cases, minor regrowth might occur, but it’s usually minimal.
Is a gingivectomy considered high-risk?
A gingivectomy is generally not considered a high-risk procedure. It’s a common and routine treatment to remove excess gum tissue or treat gum disease. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks, such as infection or bleeding. Most patients recover well with proper aftercare. Your periodontist will evaluate your overall health and gum condition to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate.
How do I know if I need a gingivectomy?
You might need a gingivectomy if you have excessive gum tissue or a “gummy smile.” Your symptoms may include deep gum pockets, recurring gum inflammation, or difficulty cleaning around your teeth. This might also indicate a need if your gums don’t respond to regular cleanings. Your periodontist will assess your gum health during check-ups. They’ll recommend a gingivectomy if necessary for your oral health or aesthetics.
How do I sleep after a gingivectomy?
After a gingivectomy, it’s best to sleep with your head elevated. This will reduce swelling and discomfort. You can use extra pillows or a wedge pillow to keep your head propped up. You should avoid sleeping on your face or putting pressure on the treated area. Following these tips can help promote healing and reduce post-procedure discomfort. Your periodontist may recommend pain relievers and more care instructions to help you sleep better during your recovery.
Does gingivectomy require stitches?
Gingivectomy typically doesn’t require stitches. The procedure removes excess gum tissue, leaving a clean edge that heals on its own. Your periodontist might use a laser or scalpel, depending on the case. After the procedure, a protective dressing is often placed over the area. This dressing helps with healing and falls off naturally within a week or two. Without stitches, recovery is usually quicker and more comfortable.
Is a gum lift the same as a gingivectomy?
A gum lift and a gingivectomy are similar but not exactly the same. A gum lift, also known as gum contouring or gingivoplasty, is usually for cosmetic reasons. A gum lift reshapes the gum line and improves the appearance of your smile.
A gingivectomy, on the other hand, is often performed to remove diseased gum tissue or excess gum tissue. While both procedures involve removing and reshaping gum tissue, the main difference lies in their purpose. Gum lifts are for cosmetic enhancement, and gingivectomy is for medical treatment.
We want your treatment to provide as positive a healing experience as possible. If you are having any problems or have any questions, please free to call the office at any time. Bradley Dean, DDS can be reached after hours at 1-866-248-8350.