Caring for your mouth properly following gum surgery is critical to the success of your procedure. After your treatment we recommend that you:

• Do not eat for about 3 hours after your treatment. Then maintain a soft diet for 2-3 days. Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, and hard or brittle foods that could injure the surgical site. Be sure to stay hydrated.
• Take all prescribed antibiotics and medications as directed. You may use a non-aspirin pain reliever as needed. If you have a reaction to a medication (nausea, a skin rash, etc.), stop taking the medication immediately and contact our office.
• Slight bleeding and oozing after gum surgery is normal, and may occur for up to 48 hours after your procedure. If bleeding persists, you may apply a moistened gauze pad or tea bag to the at 20-minute intervals. Keep your head elevated. If bleeding does not stop, please call our office.
• Use an ice pack or cold compress to help reduce swelling.
• Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth very lightly the first night. You may resume flossing again the next day, but do so gently. Do not use any irrigation devices (such as a Waterpik) until our dentist clears you to do so.
• Do not smoke for at least 48 hours. Smoking can cause significant delays in the healing process.