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Pinhole Gum Surgery Aftercare

Pinhole® Gum Surgery Aftercare Instructions

Supporting Proper Healing and Long-Term Results

Successful healing after Pinhole® Gum Surgery depends heavily on strict post-operative care, especially during the first 6 weeks. Because this procedure relies on gentle repositioning of existing gum tissue, protecting the surgical area is critical.

Please read and follow the instructions below carefully.

The First 6 Weeks: What You Must Protect

The treated gum tissue needs time to stabilise and heal in its new position. During this period, any pressure, stretching, suction, or disturbance can affect the outcome.

DO NOT:

  • Brush over the surgical site

  • Floss around the treated teeth

  • Touch the area with fingers, cotton swabs, cloths, or any objects

  • Pull your cheek to look at the area (it’s healing, don’t worry!)

  • Lick the surgical area

Even gentle contact can disrupt healing during the first 6 weeks.

Oral Hygiene After Pinhole® Surgery

First 24 Hours

  • Do not rinse, spit, or disturb the area

  • Some blood in the saliva is normal

After 24 Hours (if bleeding has stopped)

  • Rinse gently with warm salt water

    • ½ teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm water

  • Use only doctor-approved mouth rinses

  • Rinse with lips apart, gently sloshing — no forceful swishing

  • Do not create suction or puff your cheeks

Do NOT use:

  • Hydrogen peroxide

  • Products with Triclosan

  • Bleach

  • Coconut oil or holistic rinses unless approved by your doctor

Brushing After 6 Weeks

  • After week 6, brushing of the surgical area may resume only with the extra-soft special brush provided or approved by the clinic

  • This brush should be used for up to 6 months, as instructed

Swelling, Bruising & Sensitivity

Swelling Control

  • Apply ice packs to the face 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off

  • Continue for the first 48 hours only

  • Keep head elevated at a 45° angle when resting

  • Do not apply heat unless specifically instructed

What Is Normal

  • Swelling or bruising during the first week

  • Blue, yellow, or purple discoloration of the face

  • Cold sensitivity for 6 weeks or longer

Please report ongoing sensitivity during follow-up visits.

Eating & Drinking Guidelines

Allowed

  • Clear liquids initially

  • Soft foods after 2 hours

  • Plenty of fluids (without a straw)

Avoid

  • Crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods (e.g. bread, nuts, hard foods)

  • Very hot drinks or soups for 1 week

  • Alcohol for at least 1 week

  • Sucking on food, candies, or straws

Activity & Lifestyle Restrictions

For the First 3 Weeks

  • No facial massages

  • No vigorous exercise, aerobics, dancing, or heavy physical activity

  • Walking and light activities are acceptable

  • No playing wind instruments

  • No blowing balloons

For 6 Weeks

  • No chiropractor visits

  • No clenching or grinding of teeth

  • No heavy lifting that causes jaw clenching

For 2 Months

  • No facial devices such as snorkeling masks or CPAP machines

    • Please consult your doctor if you require CPAP

Smoking, Vaping & Inhalants

No smoking of any kind for at least 6 months, including:

  • Cigarettes

  • E-cigarettes / vaping

  • Cigars or pipes

  • Chewing tobacco

  • Marijuana

Smoking significantly compromises gum healing and long-term results. If you require marijuana or inhalants for medical reasons, consult your doctor immediately.

Pain Control & Medications

  • Take pain medication only as prescribed

  • Complete all antibiotics as directed — do not stop early

Rest & Recovery

  • Rest for the first 24 hours

  • Avoid overexertion

  • Sleep on the opposite side of the surgical area

  • If both sides were treated, sleep on your back

Lip Care

If the corners of your mouth feel sore or cracked after surgery:

  • Apply a small amount of Vaseline to keep the area lubricated

Follow-Up Appointments (Required)

To ensure proper healing, patients must return for timely reviews as instructed by the doctor. These visits are essential for monitoring healing and long-term stability.

When to Contact the Clinic Immediately

Please contact us immediately if you experience:

  • Unexpected or worsening pain

  • Continuous or excessive bleeding

  • Heat, throbbing, or abnormal sensations at the surgical site

Early assessment helps prevent complications.

Final Note

Pinhole® Gum Surgery is a highly technique-sensitive and healing-dependent procedure. Strict adherence to aftercare instructions plays a critical role in achieving stable, long-term results.

If you are ever unsure about what is safe or allowed during recovery, please consult our doctor before proceeding.

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