Gum Disease Treatment Post-Op Instructions
Thank you for trusting us with your gum disease treatment. To ensure proper healing and maximize the effectiveness of your procedure, please follow these post-operative instructions carefully:

Immediately After the Procedure

• Bleeding: Slight bleeding or pinkish saliva is normal for the first 24–48 hours. If bleeding persists, apply gentle pressure with a clean, damp gauze pad or a tea bag for 20 minutes. Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully, as this can dislodge blood clots and prolong healing.
• Numbness: Your mouth may remain numb for a few hours. Avoid chewing until the numbness subsides to prevent accidental injury to your cheeks, tongue or lips.

Pain and Discomfort

• You may experience mild discomfort or swelling. Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed. Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.
• Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling during the first 24 hours.

Oral Hygiene

• First 24 Hours: Do not brush, floss or rinse your mouth vigorously. This allows the treated areas to begin healing without disruption.
• After 24 Hours: Gently rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) after meals to keep the area clean and soothe irritation.
• Resume brushing and flossing non-treated areas as usual. For the treated areas, follow any specific brushing instructions provided by your dentist.

Diet

• Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, crunchy or hard foods for the first 48 hours. Stick to soft, cool foods such as yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes or soup at a lukewarm temperature.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but avoid using a straw, as the suction can disrupt the healing process.

Activity

• Limit physical activity for the first 24–48 hours. Strenuous exercise can increase blood flow and may cause bleeding.

Follow-Up Care

• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure the success of your treatment.
• Your dentist may recommend additional therapies or maintenance cleanings to prevent recurrence.

When to Contact Us
If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding swelling that worsens after 48 hours or signs of infection such as fever or discharge, please contact our office immediately.

By following these instructions, you are taking an essential step toward improving your oral health. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you every step of the way.