Is Gum Contouring Painful?

Dentist and Periodontists use a soft tissue laser to perform gum contouring on patients suffering from gum recession, an uneven gum line or a gummy smile. Gum recession can lead to periodontal disease, bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Your dentist will discuss your treatment options with you to help you decide if gum contouring is right for you.

Is gum contouring painful?

As with most things, the amount of pain you experience is relative to your individual pain tolerance. Of course, you will be numb during the procedure and will not feel anything during but once the anesthetic wears off, you will probably experience some discomfort. A soft tissue laser works to cauterize the area and keeps the bleeding at bay so most doctors prefer this method. If they do not have a soft tissue laser in their office, they may use a scalpel which does allow for more bleeding but they will apply gauze and keep you in the office until the bleeding subsides.

Post Operative Care

In this section, we will review some of the basic instructions you can expect to receive after your gum contouring surgery:

• Pain management is one of the first things you will probably think about once your anesthetic begins to wear off! Simple aspirin-free over the counter pain medications can be used to control your pain. Your doctor may prescribe a mild pain management medication if you feel that you are experiencing an abnormal level of pain but they should only be taken as directed. You will also likely be given an antibiotic, which should be taken in full to avoid infection.
• Oral hygiene should be continued but you will need to be very gentle when brushing and flossing. You also want to avoid any mouth rinses that contain alcohol as alcohol will burn and could cause bleeding. As often as you like, you should rinse with warm saltwater. This will help relieve discomfort and swelling and will clear away any debris after eating.
• Your regular diet may also require some modifications. For the first couple of days, it will be easiest and more beneficial for you to stick to a diet of soup and smoothies (and ice cream!). After the first days, you can begin to incorporate soft foods like eggs, pasta, and soft-cooked vegetables. For at least a week, you will need to avoid crunchy or spicy foods and foods with seeds that can become trapped in your surgery site are very important to avoid since they can aggravate the area very easily and prolong your recovery. Carbonated, acidic, and alcoholic beverages should also be avoided.
• Rest is your friend! The longer you allow your mouth and body to recuperate, the easier and more quickly you will heal. If you can, take a few days off of work.

As you progress and heal, you will be able to return to your normal daily routines and food habits. Swelling and tenderness at the site are to be expected but it will subside more and more every day.

More information on Gum Contouring : Healing After Gum Contouring