Is Gum Contouring Painful?

Gum contouring can be used to treat gum recession, correct and gummy smile or to straighten an uneven gum line. Some dentists offer gum contouring in their office but others may refer you to a periodontist. Gum recession can lead to further complications if left untreated. Bone loss and even tooth loss can be the result of gum recession. If you think that gum contouring could be a good treatment option for you, your dentist will determine if you are a candidate and get you scheduled accordingly.

Is gum contouring painful?

Pain is relative to the person experiencing it and the pain that goes along with gum surgery is no different. You will be numb during the procedure but as the anesthetic wears off, you are likely to experience some discomfort. Most doctors use a laser as opposed to a scalpel. The laser will cauterize the area so that there is minimal bleeding.

Post Operative Care

Caring for your healing gums after contouring comes down to pain management, activity level, diet, and oral hygiene.

  1. Pain Management: Over the counter pain relievers should do the trick but if you feel you are experiencing an abnormal amount of pain, your doctor may be able to prescribe a pain medication. Any medications you do take need to be aspirin free. Aspirin is a blood thinner and can cause your surgery site to bleed.
  2. Activity Level: Take a break from any exercise or other strenuous activities. The longer you are able to rest and heal, the shorter your recovery period will be. If you can, take a few days off of work. Consider having your gum surgery on a Thursday so you can recuperate over a long weekend.
  3. Diet: For a few days immediately following your surgery, it is a good idea to keep to a mainly liquid diet of soups and smoothies. Baked or mashed potatoes can be a good way to fill up if you do not feel satiated with smoothies or just plain get tired of them! For a week or so, you will want to avoid crunchy and spicy foods and foods with seeds that can become trapped and irritate your surgery site. Crunchy or spicy foods will aggravate the area quickly and slow your healing time. Try to stick to soft foods like yogurt, pasta and eggs for at least a week. Acidic and carbonated beverages should also be skipped in favor of water to keep well hydrated, which will aid your healing!
  4. Oral Hygiene: Be very gentle for a few weeks when brushing and flossing. Do not use any mouth rinses containing alcohol, instead use a warm salt water rinse, especially after eating.

Swelling and tenderness are normal and will subside as you heal and your pain level should ease. If it does not, give your doctor a call so they can get you in for a quick look to make sure everything is progressing as it should be. The longer you rest, the shorter your recovery time will be.  As you heal, you will be able to return to your regular daily habits and foods, just don’t rush it!

More on Gum Contouring : Healing After Gum Contouring