Traditionally, gum recontouring was done with a scalpel and sutures, causing many patients extreme anxiety during the procedure, and more pain afterward, because of the healing period. Fortunately, recovering from gum recontouring in Dallas isn’t as rough as it seems, especially if you choose a dentist who uses the latest technology and techniques to complete the treatment. Read on to learn what you can expect while healing from gum recontouring and some tips to speed up your healing time.
Are There Alternatives to Scalpel-and-Suture Gum Recontouring?
It’s a good idea to visit a cosmetic dentist who knows what they’re doing if you want to receive gum recontouring. One way to tell that they do this procedure a lot is to check what instruments they use. While a scalpel and suture is the old-school way to do this treatment, it’s not the most effective, efficient, or comfortable.
Soft tissue laser gum recontouring will ensure that the process is more precise and less anxiety-inducing for you, and it will drastically minimize your healing time, along with any bleeding and discomfort after your treatment. The laser emits a concentrated beam of light that will precisely remove any overgrown gum tissue, no cutting involved. It also cauterizes the area on-contact, which will help prevent an infection from developing after your treatment.
How Will You Feel After the Procedure?
Your mouth may feel weird and you’ll likely experience a general discomfort for the first few days following your surgery. It’s important to rest during this time, because it will help you feel back to your normal self, faster. Your dentist will provide you with some helpful information and an over-the-counter medications list that will be safe to take. Typically, they recommend avoiding aspirin, and instead, sticking to Tylenol or Advil. You may also notice some scabbing in the areas of overgrown tissue removed by your dentist, but this is completely normal, and they will fall off as your mouth heals.
Tips & Tricks to Help You Heal Faster
If you’ve chosen a dentist who offer laser gum recontouring, you’ve already made a decision that will help cut your healing time in half. From here, it’s a good idea to follow these tips to help your smile heal faster and feel back to your normal self:
- Be as gentle as possible while brushing and flossing as your gums heal for about two weeks after your procedure. Rinse with salt water to help clean around your gums and kill any bad bacteria.
- Limit your physical activity to allow your body to heal.
- Do not eat any spicy or crunchy foods, because this will stall your recovery.
- Avoid foods that have small seeds in them, like kiwis or strawberries.
- Mainly eat soft foods, like eggs, pasta, yogurt, cooked vegetables, and ice cream.
If you have any concerns after your treatment, never hesitate to reach out to your dentist. By choosing an experienced professional who uses the latest gadgets that the dental world has to offer and following these helpful recovery tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your newly-designed smile that’s healthier and happier than ever before.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby Shirley is a passionate cosmetic dentist who has been with Distinctive Dentistry since 2005. He loves being able to transform his patients’ smiles into ones that make them feel more confident. He is an active member of several professional organizations that help him stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the dental field, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. For questions or to schedule a consultation for laser gum recontouring, visit Distinctive Dentistry’s website or call 770-445-6606.
