🦷 Dental Aftercare
Gingivectomy Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for gingivectomy: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
Typical recovery: about 14 daysDental
Gingivectomy recovery, day by day
Day 0
After Surgery
- Bleeding is normal for several hours; bite on gauze as needed
- Apply ice externally to reduce swelling
- A periodontal dressing (bandage) may have been placed over the gums
Diet
- Soft, cool foods only: yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes
- Avoid hot, spicy, and acidic foods
- No crunchy or sharp foods (chips, toast, nuts)
Days 1-7
Healing
- Gums will appear red and swollen initially; this is normal
- Gently rinse with warm salt water or prescribed mouthwash
- Do NOT brush the treated area for 1 week; brush other teeth normally
- Avoid alcohol and smoking (delays healing significantly)
Days 8-14
Recovery
- Begin gentle brushing of the treated area with an ultra-soft brush
- Gums will reshape and firm up over 4-6 weeks
- Attend follow-up to check healing
- Resume normal oral hygiene routine as directed
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101°F that doesn't respond to medication
- •Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 4 hours despite gauze pressure
- •Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- •Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- •Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours
- •Foul taste/odor indicating possible infection
- •Pus or discharge from the surgical site
- •Periodontal dressing falls off within the first 2 days
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 5
Initial gum healing
Bleeding stops and pain subsides
- Day 7
Resume brushing
Gently brush the treated area
- Day 14
Gums typically healed
Tissue has reshaped and firmed up
For clinics
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