Instructions Following Crown Lengthening
- Pain and Antibiotics
Take all prescribed medication as directed by Dr. Couri. Frequently, there is pain when the local anesthesia has worn off. The pain medication prescribed should relieve the pain. If not, please call our office. Please take the prescribed pain medication the first 3 days as directed. Please take all antibiotics until gone.
- Bleeding
You will have the taste of blood in your mouth following surgery; this is normal. Bite down on moist gauze for a ½ hour. Repeat as necessary. Do not keep spitting out. If bleeding persists, place a moist tea bag in the area of bleeding, applying slight pressure, for 1 hour. Do not use a straw, swish or spit.
- Swelling
Swelling may occur following surgery. It will last anywhere from 3 to 5 days. Apply an ice pack, wrapped in a towel, to your face in the area of surgery for 10 minutes. Remove the ice for 10 minutes; repeat this procedure, for the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery until the swelling is relieved. Some swelling of the jaw may occur. This is a normal reaction.
- Eating
To aid the healing process, it is important to obtain adequate nutrition and calories. If chewing is difficult, try blended, smooth, and creamy foods; such as eggs, soup and casseroles. Sip on juices and other fluids throughout the day (non-alcoholic). Do not use a straw as this may cause bleeding. A nutritional energy drink, like Boost, is a great tasting alternative. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods as temperature may irritate the mouth. Also, food should not be too salty, spicy or acidic. Eat soft-textured nourishing foods—Do not restrict a diet to carbohydrates (breads, rolls, potatoes, noodles, etc.) Eat a well-balanced diet, 3 times a day. Do not eat peanuts, popcorn, chips, and seedy foods or chew gum.
- Cleansing
The day following extraction, resume your normal cleaning techniques, avoid the extraction site. Do not floss, use a perio-aid or inter-proximal brush around the extraction site until healing is completed. Brush every portion of your mouth except the areas of treatment. Do not brush your gums.
- Surgical Toothbrush— You have been given an “ultra-soft” toothbrush, gently use this on the chewing surface of the teeth in the treated area avoiding gums.
- Prescription Rinse— You have been given a mouth rinse from our office, start using it the day after your procedure. Use it twice daily, preferably in the morning and at bedtime. Wait a ½ hour before eating or drinking. No other mouthwash should be used while using the prescription rinse. May cause staining.
- Resting
During the first 24 hours, when resting, place a couple of pillows under your head. Laying flat may cause the treated area to throb. Use an old towel or t-shirt to cover your pillow.
- No smoking for 48 hours.
If you should have any questions or concerns, contact our office. Thank you.