Aftercare instructions will be provided following your gum contouring procedure. It is important to closely follow these and the following instructions to reduce your risk of complications and have a fast recovery period. You may experience some discomfort which can be managed with OTC pain relieving medication and/or ice packs. If prescribed pain-relieving medication and/or antibiotics, take as directed. Mild bleeding for the first 24-48 hours is also very common and can be managed using gauze and by avoiding hot foods or beverages. It is also important to stick to soft foods and rinse your mouth with warm saltwater following meals to reduce your risk of an infection.

Once you have fully recovered, you can resume normal hygiene practices, although it may be possible that the reason the procedure was necessary in the first place is that you have not been taking proper care of your oral health. Make a habit of brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily and follow a balanced diet that is not overloaded with foods that are sugary or acidic. Additional steps you can take include drinking more water, especially after every meal, and using a fluoride mouthwash and/or toothpaste.

Finally, the most important step you can take to preserve your oral health and avoid the need for procedures such as gum contouring is to schedule a regular examination with us at least twice a year, or with greater regularity if you are at an increased risk of developing oral health issues. These visits ensure that Dr. Forbes can evaluate your oral health and identify issues before they develop into something worse. They also allow us to perform one of our three types of dental exams: a limited exam (for specific concerns), comprehensive exam (thorough examination of your overall oral health followed by treatment recommendations), or our signature exam (which includes the comprehensive exam as well as a full head and neck exam and ideas for a Digital Smile Design).