Is Gum Contouring Painful?
The gum contouring procedure is minimally invasive, and because a local anesthetic will be administered prior to the procedure being performed, you will likely not experience any discomfort while the gum contouring procedure is being performed. If at any point you are experiencing discomfort or pain, let your periodontist know and they can administer additional anesthetic to further numb the area being worked on. Some patients respond very well to local anesthetics and only require one or two shots whereas other patients may have heightened gum sensitivity and require additional shots. When the first shot is administered, you may experience a slight pinch, but this sensation will pass quickly.
If you are concerned about the pain involved in having the gum contouring procedure performed or struggle with dental phobia, a common condition of heightened anxiety at the prospect of having a dental procedure performed, you may be a good candidate for dental sedation. Dental sedation places patients in a more relaxed state of mind, and in some cases can cause them to forget the procedure even happened. The important thing is to be aware that while there will be some discomfort involved, you should not let concern over the pain of the procedure prevent you from having it performed.
Following the Gum Contouring Procedure
While it is unlikely that you will experience any discomfort during the gum contouring procedure, once the anesthetic has worn off you may begin to feel some tenderness and pain where the procedure was performed. To reduce discomfort and speed up your recovery process, follow these aftercare instructions following your gum contouring procedure.
- Rest: Try to rest as much as possible following your gum contouring procedure. It is fine to resume normal, light activities, but avoid strenuous or high physical impact activities for at least one week or longer if possible.
- Modified Diet: Following a soft food diet for the first few days following your procedure will help reduce discomfort or pain and will prevent irritation to the gums, which can slow the healing process down.
- Pain medication/Antibiotics: Typically, over-the-counter pain medication is sufficient in managing post-procedural pain, although narcotics may be prescribed for patients with extreme cases or with a low pain threshold. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce your risk of developing an infection.
- Ice packs: Swelling can be managed with ice pack therapy, which involves holding the ice pack over the swollen area for fifteen to twenty-minute intervals. Swelling should go down after the first few days.
- Oral Hygiene: While brushing your teeth and gums, be gentle and use a soft bristle toothbrush when going over the area where the gum contouring has occurred. A saltwater rinse is also recommended for the first week or two following the procedure.
Follow-up Appointment
If you follow these aftercare instructions closely, you should complete the healing process within 7-10 days. If you notice any side effects, such as severe pain, excessive swelling or bleeding that does not stop, contact your periodontist to see if a follow-up appointment is necessary.