Laser Therapy Post-Operative Care

While no incisions or sutures/stitches are involved, there are still some important post-operative instructions that you should follow.

If you have any pain or excessive bleeding following your treatment, please contact our office.

Normally, some discomfort is to be expected, and some slight bleeding is also normal, but should be minimal. Severe pain or excessive bleeding are NOT normal and should be addressed immediately.

• Do not be alarmed by any color changes or appearance of tissues following laser normal response to laser treatments.

Try to keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process. Brush, floss and follow other home-care measures in all the areas of your mouth except for the treated areas for a couple of days. Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the treated areas.

• NO SMOKING. Smoking is to be avoided for the time specified by our dentists since it increases the heat in the surgical area and significantly lowers the body’s ability to heal the site.
• Avoid alcohol and very hot fluids and foods for 30 hours after your surgery. Room temperature to cold is adequate. Anything that is cooked must be allowed to cool down.
• It is very important to maintain a good food and fluid intake. Try to eat soft but nutritious foods, such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc., until you can comfortably return to a normal diet.
• Rinsing: Gentle rinsing of the mouth should be started the day of surgery.  Avoid commercial mouth rinses. Frequent gentle rinsing with lukewarm salt water will aid the healing process and maintain cleanliness. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a 6 ounce glass of water.
• Do not chew on the side of your mouth that has been treated for a couple of days.