Crown Lengthening Aftercare

It is normal to experience some pain/tenderness/swelling/bruising in the area where you have had surgery, which is now healing. It is important to help this healing process as much as possible by following the advice below:

For Today:

a. Rest. Limit physical activity. Do NOT undertake excessive effort or exercise.

b. Do NOT have anything too hot to eat or drink until any numbness has worn off.

c. Be careful not to chew your cheek/lip/tongue until any numbness has worn off.

Healing Surgical Site.  Do NOT interfere with the surgical area, i.e. do not touch the area with your tongue or fingers so it can heal properly.

Mouth Rinse.  Starting today and for the next few days, rinse with warm salt-water **:

a.     Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.

b.     Gently rinse for 30 seconds concentrating on the area around the surgical site.

c.     Carry this out at least after every meal, to keep the surgical area clean and help prevent infection.

Bleeding.  If bleeding occurs, sit down, relax and apply pressure to the surgical area with one of the gauze packs provided or a clean rolled handkerchief. If bleeding does not subside after 20 minutes, follow *. You may experience a little bleeding overnight, so may wish to place a towel over your bedsheets.

Swelling & Bruising.  You may experience some swelling and bruising following surgery. An ice pack wrapped in a soft tea towel held on your face can help minimise the swelling. Alternate 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

Pain.  Any symptoms should begin to reduce after 3-4 days, if not follow *. If you experience pain after 2-3 days which is getting worse, you may have an infection developing, if so follow *.

Tooth Sensitivity.  You may experience tooth sensitivity immediately after surgery, which usually decreases with time. If the sensitivity does not subside, follow *.

Medication.  If you have been prescribed any medication, take as directed and do not exceed the stated dose. If you have not been prescribed painkillers, Ibuprofen and Paracetamol should help to relieve any pain. You may wish to take some painkillers before the anaesthetic has worn off. Do NOT take Aspirin based medications as these can cause re-bleeding. If painkillers do not control the pain, follow *.

Eating & Drinking.  It is important to stay well-nourished and hydrated. Eat softer foods and avoid salty/acidic/spicy foods and drinks. Also avoid hard/crunchy foods that could get trapped in the surgical site (e.g. seeds, nuts, crisps).

Oral Hygiene.  It is imperative you keep this surgical area clean. Do not brush the area for the first 24 hours following surgery. You may brush most of your teeth as normal, but be very gentle brushing your teeth around the surgical site and avoid brushing near the gums. Avoid flossing.

Smoking.  Do NOT smoke tobacco products as they impairs the healing process and increases the chance of the area getting infected.

Additional Instructions. Your dentist may also advise you of the following:

• Sutures.  Any sutures should dissolve within 2-3 weeks. If they do not, follow *

*  Contact your dental professional / dental clinic for further advice

**  Alternatively use Chlorhexidine mouthwash as directed by your dentist