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After gum therapy, typically within 2 weeks, once the gums heal, you can expect to notice less redness, less bleeding, and less swelling of your gum tissue. Your mouth will taste, smell, and feel better. Your gum health can then be maintained with proper homecare and regular professional care. However, you should expect the following right after your procedure:
If we used anesthesia, your mouth may be numb for several hours after the procedure. Do not bite, scratch, or injure the cheek, lips, or tongue during this time. You can carefully drink little sips of water but avoid eating until the numbness wears off.
You may experience some pain and discomfort, but it should subside within a few days.
It is common to have sensitivity to hot, cold, and/or sweets. This sensitivity may be noticeable for the first several days but usually diminishes over time. We may recommend the application of a desensitizing fluoride. You can also use over-the-counter sensitivity toothpaste.
Brushing and flossing may cause some bleeding, but this should steadily decrease as your gums heal over the next week or so.
As the gums heal, they may change shape around the teeth. This is normal as the tissue heals and shrinks. It may expose spaces between the teeth that were previously covered with tartar buildup or swollen gums. These spaces may be more visible between front teeth or cause food to be trapped more easily. This is often unavoidable, especially in advanced cases of gum disease.
If extensive root planing was performed, chewing hard foods such as meat or raw vegetables may be uncomfortable for a few days. A diet of softer foods is advised until chewing becomes more comfortable.
Most discomfort will be minor. However, you may take any over-the-counter pain medicine as needed for relief.
If your gum tissues are tender, brush gently but thoroughly. This may take more time than usual. Mouth rinsing is recommended using one of the following:
Use either of these rinses for no more than one to two consecutive weeks.
Please call our office with any questions or concerns.
