The Art of Healing: Your Aftercare Guide for Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)
What to Expect:
Slight Swelling and Discomfort:
Mild swelling, light bruising, or dry/chapped lips are normal. You may feel some discomfort once the anesthesia wears off.
Minor Bleeding / Pinkish Saliva:
Light bleeding or a pink color in your saliva is normal during the first 2 days after surgery.
Tooth Sensitivity:
You may notice sensitivity, especially to cold foods or drinks. This is common and usually improves gradually over the next few weeks.
What You Should Do:
The Day of the Surgery:
Apply an ice pack to the surgical area using a 15-minutes on / 15-minutes off routine throughout the day to help reduce swelling.
The Day Following the Surgery (After 24 Hours):
Maintain your normal oral hygiene in areas not affected by surgery.
Warm salt water rinses are recommended to support healing. Hold the warm salt water in your mouth for 1 minute without gargling, then gently let it out. Repeat every 2 hours.
Follow a soft food diet and chew carefully, avoiding the surgical area.
What You Should NOT Do:
- Don’t touch or play with the surgical area using your fingers or tongue.
- Don’t pull your lip or cheek back to look at the area.
- Don’t rinse, brush, or floss your mouth during the first 24 hours.
Avoid sticky, hard (such as ice cubes, nuts, or chips), brittle, spicy, highly seasoned, or acidic foods. Cold foods like ice cream or shakes are acceptable as long as you use a spoon.
Do NOT use a drinking straw, as the suction can disturb the healing area.
Avoid alcohol and smoking until after your post-operative appointment. Smoking should be avoided for at least 7–14 days, as it slows healing.
When to Reach Your Sorriso Ezmerli Team:
Major Swelling:
If swelling is severe, sudden, or does not improve.
Extreme Sensitivity:
If tooth sensitivity becomes severe, unbearable, or does not improve with the prescribed medication.
Prolonged Bleeding:
If noticeable bleeding continues beyond the first 2 days.
Signs of Infection:
Persistent or increasing pain, fever, or the presence of pus.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office. We are committed to your comfort, smooth recovery, and a healthy, confident smile.
When to Reach Your Sorriso Ezmerli Team
We are committed to the perfection of your aesthetic result. Please contact the clinic immediately if you experience any of the following:
Major Swelling: Any major, sudden, or persistent swelling.
Extreme Sensitivity: If the tooth sensitivity is extreme or unbearable and does not improve.
Prolonged Bleeding: If significant bleeding persists beyond the first 48 hours.
Signs of Infection: Persistent or worsening pain or any signs of fever or pus.
Final Assurance & Next Steps
Your careful adherence to this home care routine will ensure beautiful healing and the longevity of your newly contoured gum line. Try to relax and practice the best oral hygiene possible, and your healing should progress perfectly.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office. We are dedicated to your comfortable recovery and beautiful smile!
