Gingival sculpting is often performed for cosmetic reasons, but it can also be used in order to treat gum disease. The sculpting procedure allows a dentist to remove bacteria and other debris from the pockets in your gums. Removal of these contaminants will help to eliminate and prevent further gum disease. The procedure involves using a laser to shape and remove gum tissue. Once the procedure is done, what you do afterwards is important to how well your gums recover. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can use in order to recover from a gingival sculpting procedure.
Use an Antibacterial Rinse After Each Meal
After your gingival sculpting procedure, it is important to keep your gums from being infected by bacteria. Since the procedure was performed in order to remove your gum disease, then it is important to make sure that the area remains clean. You can do this by washing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse after each meal. This will help to eliminate any bacteria from your gum area before it has a chance to turn plaque into tartar. You can purchase a commercial rinse or you can make your own at home using peppermint oil and warm water. Allow the rinse to sit in your mouth for a few minutes before removing it.
Eat Soft Foods After the Procedure
Since gingival sculpting uses lasers to remove gum tissue and clean the gum line, this means that there are no stitches involved. This reduces your chances of reopening your wound. However, it is still important to treat your gum tissue with care immediately after the laser procedure. The area has not had a chance to fully heal. Your gums may feel weaker and more fragile than other areas throughout your mouth. Therefore, stick to eating softer foods, like soups and noodles, that are easier to chew and swallow. Hard foods could damage the gum tissue before it has a chance to recover.
Apply Ice Packs to the Area to Reduce Swelling
After your gingival sculpting procedure, you will experience swelling and pain. You can reduce the amount of swelling by placing ice packs near the surgical area within the first few hours after the surgery. The swelling should subside on its own after a few days. However, if it does not go away on its own, then you should contact your dentist.
Gingival sculpting and laser dentistry is extremely beneficial for removing bacteria from the deep pockets in your mouth. Use these tips to make sure you recover from the surgery without a problem.
