Treatment Instructions - What to Expect; What You Can Do
When the Surgical Dressing is Removed
After Graft Surgery - Use the soft brush you were given to brush gently, stroking from gum to tooth for at least one week. Then resume the thorough but gentle rotary or horizontal brushing stroke along the gumline that you used prior to the procedure.
After Flap or Crown Lengthening Surgery - Immediately start the following 3-step regimen at least twice daily:
first, clean between the teeth (floss, Superfloss or Prox-a-brush)
brush along the gumline in your usual fashion, and
rinse (after finishing the prescription, switch to Listerine).
You may have sensitivity and some bleeding at first. This is expected! It will subside as you continue to clean your teeth and gums daily. The more efficient your oral hygiene, the sooner you will be comfortable.
Eating - Avoid the treated area until you comfortably resume your
pre-surgical brushing routine. With graft surgery, this may take 6 weeks.
Cold sensitivity - This commonly occurs after periodontal surgery, but usually subsides within a few weeks. If it persists, use a medically desensitizing toothpaste, such as Sensodyne.
