Is Gum Contouring Painful
Patients who suffer from an uneven gum line, a gummy smile, gum recession, or periodontal disease may benefit from gum contouring. Gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in under an hour in most cases. Most doctors use a soft tissue laser, though some still utilize a scalpel. Some general dentists offer gum contouring but if yours does not, they will simply refer you to a periodontist.
Is gum contouring painful?
Since pain is relative to the individual, everyone will have a different experience of how painful gum contouring is. There is no doubt that you will experience some level of discomfort once your anesthetic wears off but with over-the-counter pain medications, most patients are able to tolerate the discomfort while they heal.
The area being treated will be numb thanks to a local anesthetic administered with an injection. You will not feel any pain during the procedure and if a soft tissue laser is being used, the laser will cauterize the area being cut as your doctor works to minimize bleeding. If your doctor uses a scalpel, there will be some minor bleeding but your doctor will keep you under observation until the bleeding subsides.
Postoperative Care
Your doctor will provide you with a list of detailed postoperative care instructions that you should follow for about 10 days while you heal. These instructions will cover pain management, diet, and oral hygiene.
Dietary restrictions: Immediately following surgery, you will be advised to stick to a liquid diet of soups and smoothies. After a couple of days, you can begin to incorporate soft foods such as well cooked pasta, eggs, and soft cooked vegetables. During recovery, it is important to avoid crunchy or spicy foods that can irritate your gum tissue. Foods with small seeds that can become lodged in your surgery site should also be avoided In order to keep the area free of infection. Carbonated, alcoholic, and acidic beverages should also be avoided until your gums are fully healed.
Pain management: Since most patients can manage their pain with over-the-counter pain medications, it is unlikely that your doctor will prescribe you a pain medication. Aspirin promotes bleeding so it is important to avoid pain medications that contain aspirin. NSAID medicines such as Advil or ibuprofen are ideal. Your doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic which should be taken as directed and in full to avoid infection. If you believe you are experiencing a higher than normal level of pain or swelling, or if your surgery site begins to bleed, call your doctor for my valuation.
Oral hygiene: A few adjustments to your oral care routine will be necessary to make sure your surgery site heals properly and as quickly as possible. Any mouthwash that contains alcohol should not be used until your gums are completely healed because the alcohol will dry out the area and cause discomfort. Warm salt water is a great way to clean your mouth, especially after eating, and soothe your surgery site. Salt water can be used as often as you like! It is important that you continue to brush and floss as normal but it is crucial that you are as gentle as possible when working around your surgery site. You may also consider using a Q-tip to gently clean the area.