Dental clinic
Post-operative advice following a gum transplant
For the first 24 hours
Hygiene
You can start brushing and flossing the day after surgery BY AVOIDING THE OPERATED SITE UNTIL YOUR CHECK-UP VISIT.
DO NOT USE an electric toothbrush and the “WaterPik”. They can be reused 6 weeks after your intervention.
A whitish film may form at the site of the surgery. It's dental plaque and it's perfectly normal.
Use the prescribed mouthwash twice a day starting the morning after the procedure for 4 weeks. Do not rinse your mouth suddenly and do not spit. Let the product sit in your mouth and simply open your mouth to drain the product into the sink.
Food
You will have to eat strictly COLD LIQUIDS such as :
- meal replacements (ex: ENSURE)
- protein shake
- yogurt
- ice cream…
To avoid
- Peroxide
- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverage
- To smoke
- Drink through a straw
- Sucking
In particular, avoid touching the operated site with your tongue and fingers. Do not pull on your cheek or lips to look or to show your eyes.
After 24 hours
Food
Gradually progress to soft foods that are easy to chew such as :
- Cooked vegetables
- Cooked fish
- Pasta
- Meatloaf
- Egg
DO NOT SKIP MEALS and avoid spicy, sour and vinegar dishes. Eat on the opposite side of the operated site.
Activities
Stay at home the rest of the day of the procedure and, if necessary, the following day. You can return to your daily routine 24 HOURS AFTER THE INTERVENTION but avoid overwork and all physical activity for ONE WEEK AFTER THE INTERVENTION.
At bedtime
SLEEP IN A SEMI-SITTING POSITION (head elevated) to reduce swelling.
Medication
Painkiller : Take your medication within one hour of the procedure with milk, fruit juice or a full glass of water. NEVER TAKE MEDICATION WITH AN EMPTY STOMACH. Take your painkillers regularly every 4 to 6 hours according to your prescription.
Antibiotics : Take your medication as directed until the end of your prescription. Taking antibiotics decreases the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. It is therefore recommended to increase protection during sex until the end of the cycle in order to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
Swelling
It is normal to have swelling after a periodontal procedure. To reduce it, we suggest using an ice pack. Place it on your cheek without direct contact on the skin, alternating 10 minutes (10 minutes with the ice pack and 10 minutes without). Continue the process as often as possible during the first 24 hours.
Bleeding
Light bleeding or slightly tinted saliva is possible during the first days after the procedure. If more severe bleeding occurs, replace painkillers containing Ibuprophen (eg Advil, Motrin…) with Tylenol and please call us.
Suture
You must come for your check-up 1 week after the operation. Part of the stitches will be removed after 3 weeks and the other part 2 to 3 months later. It is possible that your points fall or slack before the date of your appointment. There is nothing to worry about. If this happens, just let us know and we'll see you faster than expected.
Smoking
Do not smoke for a period of 3 weeks following the procedure. Smoking slows tissue healing and will affect the outcome of the procedure.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Good recovery !
Dental clinic
Post-operative advice after tooth extraction
Immediately after surgery
Bite on the compress we gave you for 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues, start again with a new compress for another 30 minutes.
A tea bag soaked in water can be placed on the wound for 20 minutes. The tannin it contains creates a coagulating effect.
If necessary, take your medications as prescribed by the dentist
If your cheek is swollen, apply ice, avoiding direct contact with the skin, for 15 minutes every hour.
For three to four days after surgery
- Avoid spitting, smoking, rinsing your mouth, and drinking through a straw. You may remove the blood clot needed for healing.
- Do not consume hot or spicy foods / beverages. Promote a soft diet.
- Do not drink alcohol as it may irritate your mouth and sores.
- Do not run your tongue or fingers over the wound.
Hygiene
You can brush your teeth gently 24 hours after surgery, avoiding the operated site. Do not use commercial mouthwash until completely healed.
You can do lightly salted water mouthwashes after meals four days after surgery.
Physical activity
Avoid all physical activity for 24 to 48 hours. Do not lift heavy loads. If you experience pain, do not hesitate to take pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Elevate your head and rest.
To know
It is quite usual to feel pain and to notice some swelling. Bruising may also appear on your face. These will go away within five to seven days after surgery. Also, during the first week it is quite normal for your saliva to occasionally be tinged with blood. It will gradually fade.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic at 450 651-9935.