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Gum surgery is a serious procedure. Thoughtful preparation and aftercare greatly improves your chances for a successful recovery after gum surgery. Be sure to let your periodontist know about any medical conditions or medications you are taking at the initial appointment.

During the recovery phase, you will need to eat a soft foods diet. It’s a good idea to stock up in advance on foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes and yogurt.

Deep sedation is often required with gum surgery to insure your comfort. This means you will need to arrange to have someone drive you. It’s also a good idea to arrange for a friend or family member to stay with you at home to help you get back on your feet.

Proper hydration is also very important. Try to drink plenty of lukewarm liquids and avoid using a straw. The suction can harm the incisions or pull blood clots loose.

It’s not uncommon for the incisions to bleed a little for a few days after the surgery. Keeping a little sterile gauze on hand will let you gently pack the area to stop the bleeding. Afterward you can gently rinse your mouth with salt water to cleanse the area and soothe the gums.

Avoid using tobacco during recover as it will irritate the gum tissue, increases healing time and increase the risk of infection. Talk to your doctor in advance about a cessation program that’s right for you.

If you have questions about planning for your procedure or things you can do to help the recovery process, please call us at 619.470.2558 to schedule an appointment.