- Kitcha Dental Customer Service
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Post-Operative Care Instructions After Periodontal Surgery or Gum Grafting
1. What to Expect After Treatment
- Mild to moderate pain, swelling, or bleeding at the surgical site during the first 1–3 days
- Treated teeth may appear longer or feel more sensitive due to gum tissue repositioning, especially near the tooth necks
- The gum area may appear pale, white, or covered with a thin film (fibrin layer)—this is part of the natural healing process.
- If tissue was harvested from the palate (in procedures like Graft), expect soreness at the donor site for 3–5 days
- The gums may appear sunken, thinner, or darker temporarily—this is normal during healing
- You may see ripples or uneven gum contours within the first weeks. These often improve over 3–6 months as tissue stabilizes
2. How to Take Care of Yourself After Treatment
- Bite firmly on gauze for 1 hour after surgery. If bleeding persists, replace with new gauze and bite another 30 minutes
- Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw for the first 24 hours to avoid dislodging the clot
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek area for the first 24–48 hours. If swelling continues, switch to warm compresses on days 3–5
- After 24 hours, begin gentle saltwater rinses (½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water) 3–4 times daily
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or swimming for 5–7 days
- Eat soft, cool, non-spicy foods and avoid chewing on the surgical side
- Refrain from smoking and alcohol for at least 7 days, as both impair healing and graft survival
- Do not wear dentures, retainers, or any appliance over the surgical area until approved by your dentist
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, carefully avoiding the surgical site. Use prescribed mouthwash or saltwater as advised
- Gum healing typically takes 4–8 weeks. Tissue contour changes may continue for up to 3–6 months
- If you plan to receive dentures, veneers, or crowns, your dentist may re-evaluate after the tissue has fully healed
3. What to Avoid After Treatment
- Do not brush or touch the surgical site directly in the early healing phase
- Avoid chewing on the surgical side and stay away from sticky, hard, or hot foods
- No smoking, vaping, or alcohol—these delay healing and may cause graft failure
- Do not wear retainers, dentures, or any pressure-inducing appliances on the treated area unless instructed
- Avoid intense exercise or lifting heavy objects during the first few days
4. When to Contact the Clinic
- Bleeding that lasts more than 2 hours despite gauze pressure
- Severe pain that worsens after 2–3 days (may indicate dry socket or infection)
- Swelling, redness, pus discharge, or foul breath around the surgical site
- The grafted gum tissue appears grayish, dark, or peeling off, especially with increased pain
- Fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- Persistent numbness or tingling in the lips or chin that does not improve within 7 days
5. How to Reach Us
If you have any concerns, questions, or complications following your treatment, please contact Kitcha Dental Clinic. Our staff will assess the urgency of your situation and prioritize appointments accordingly to ensure you receive timely care.
Contact Kitcha Dental Clinic:
Phone (Thailand): 053-200201 or 091-797-7888
LINE: nav.cx/5PmNyFR
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/66917977888
Facebook Messenger: https://m.me/kitchaclinic