Please be aware that because of today’s procedure, your gums around the teeth may bleed or be irritated and/or swollen. If there is bleeding, it may mix with saliva, and there could appear to be more blood than there really is. After you brush, you may notice bleeding; please continue to brush this area gently to keep it clean. You may even notice blood on your pillow in the morning. Use a warm saltwater rinse with ½ a teaspoon of salt in a small glass of warm water. Take pain medication, such as Tylenol® or ibuprofen, every 6 hours as needed to alleviate the soreness. We recommend you use whatever you normally take for headaches or muscle soreness. These symptoms should stop after the first night or two, and the gum tissue should look much better in 1–3 days.
If you feel this area is getting worse or is getting more swollen or irritated, or if you have facial or neck swelling, please call our emergency number at (405) 410-1811 or Dr. Youngker’s home number at (405) 474-8244. Antibiotics may need to be prescribed. In very rare instances, you may even need to be referred to an oral surgeon or ear, nose, and throat doctor for evaluation and possible treatment.
Just Remember:
- Rinse several times per day with warm salt water.
- Continue to gently brush with warm water.
- Use your own choice of over-the-counter pain medication.
Your gum tissue should heal rapidly on its own. However, if you need us or have questions, we are just a phone call away.
