Post-Op Care Instructions
What You Should Do After Gum Surgery
- When the freezing wears off, you may have some discomfort. Before this happens take the medication indicated. Advil or Ibuprofen 400mg three times a day for 2 days.
- Please limit yourself to a semi-solid diet and avoid spicy or excessively hot foods for the first day. Avoid eating on the surgical site.
- Do not be concerned if the sutures placed fall out prior to the post-op appointment in one week's time.
- Rinse with the medication supplied. We do not recommend the use of commercial mouth rinses. Warm salt water rinses are helpful after the first day to promote healing. Cold compresses on the outside of the face will decrease any swelling that may occur. Use your tooth brush in all areas except the surgical site.
- You may follow your regular daily activities. Avoid excessive exertion of any type. Avoid athletics and long exposure to the sun for the first three days after the operation. Also..no swimming.
- There may be occasional blood in the saliva for the first while after the operation. If there is considerable bleeding, place a piece of gauze formed into the shape of a "U" by holding it between the thumb and index finger. Apply it to both sides of the surgical area and maintain gentle pressure for 10 minutes. Do not remove it during the period to examine it. If bleeding persists, call our office.
