Crown-lengthening Surgery / Gingivectomy Instructions
Brushing / Flossing
Gently brush and floss the treated area.
The area will be sore, tender and may slightly bleed during brushing and flossing, however, it is important to keep the area clean during cleaning.
Eating / Chewing
Avoid hot temperature food/drinks the day of the surgery (coffee, tea, soup)
Soft foods (fish, pasta, etc.) will be desired for the first few days.
Do not chew with teeth that have been treated (chew on the other side of the mouth) for 1 week. If both sides of the mouth have been treated, chew lightly.
Avoid crunchy, salty, spicy foods (pretzels, nuts, chips) for 1 week as they will irritate the treated area(s).
Discomfort
Once the anesthetic wears off, you may experience discomfort.
The treated area(s) could remain tender for up to one week.
“Delayed discomfort” is possible. This means that you may feel little to no discomfort the 1st week but do experience some the 2nd week.
Bleeding
It is normal to experience light bleeding for the first 2-3 days.
Gauze will be sent home with you to bite on if the area bleeds. Fold a piece of lightly moistened gauze into a small square; place it in the area that is bleeding and bite. Change the gauze about every 5 minutes until you no longer see any blood.
Some medications can increase the amount of bleeding such as aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin.
If the area continues to bleed with the gauze in place, remove the gauze and replace with a moist small tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea will help to control the bleeding. Unfortunately, the taste is not pleasant.
If excessive bleeding occurs after attempting the above procedures, call the office number (317) 844-2792, or after hours emergency number (317) 691-4169.
Sutures
Sutures (stitches) may or may not have been placed.
If sutures are in place, they are absorbable and will come out within 5-10 days. They may untie and become loose. Do NOT attempt to pull or remove the sutures. If they are long and bothersome, you can trim them with small scissors.
Working
It is best not to return to work the day of the procedure due to possible discomfort and slight bleeding.
If you must return to work the same day, please be aware that the treated area may be sore, tender, and throb and may require biting on gauze to control bleeding.
If you elect to be sedated for the procedure, you are NOT to return to work the same day but may return the following day.
Exercising
Avoid exercising or heavy lifting for 2 days.
Smoking
It is best not to smoke during the 1st week following the surgery as it will delay the healing process.
Prescription Mouth Rinse
If a prescription mouth rinse has been prescribed, rinse twice daily (after breakfast and before bedtime) for 1 week.
Antibiotic
If an antibiotic has been prescribed, take as directed until gone.
Pain Medication
Take as needed: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Advil, or prescribed medication.
1 Week Follow-Up Appointment
An appointment will be scheduled for you to return 7-10 days following the surgery to evaluate the area(s) for healing.
At this time, your next follow-up appointment will be determined.
