Your Post-Op Care Guide: Healing Comfortably After Your Procedure

We’re committed to making your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible following your crown lengthening, osseous surgery, or gingivectomy. Please take a moment to review these important post-operative care instructions.

🛌 Rest & Activity
After your procedure, plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid any strenuous activity for at least 72 hours to support proper healing.

💊 Managing Discomfort
Some discomfort is normal once the anesthesia wears off.
If you were prescribed medication, please take it exactly as directed. Staying ahead of pain helps ensure a more comfortable recovery.

🦷 Periodontal Dressing (Perio Coe-Pak / Reso-Pac)
Dr. Velasquez may place a protective dressing over the surgical site. This acts as a bandage to help protect the area and will typically be removed after 7 days.

🧊 Swelling Care
To minimize swelling:

• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your face
• Use for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off
• Continue this cycle for the first 8 hours

🩸 Bleeding
Mild bleeding or pink-tinged saliva is normal.
If you experience persistent bleeding, please contact our office immediately at 562-424-9473.

🥣 Eating & Drinking
For the next few days:

• Stick to soft foods and moderate-temperature liquids
• Chew on the side opposite the surgical area
• Avoid using straws, as suction can disrupt healing

🪥 Oral Hygiene
After 24 hours:

• Gently brush with a very soft toothbrush
• Avoid flossing the surgical site for 5–7 days
• Continue normal brushing and flossing elsewhere

You may also:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water (½ tsp salt in 8 oz water)
• Use Peridex rinse twice daily, as directed

🚭 Smoking
Please avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks, as it can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

🧵 Sutures
Your sutures will be removed at your follow-up visit in approximately 7 days.

⚠️ Pain Relief Guidelines (Over-the-Counter Options)
For Moderate Pain:

• 1 tablet Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 500 mg
  +
• Ibuprofen 400 mg (2–3 tablets of 200 mg)
• Take every 4–6 hours as needed

For Severe Pain:

• 2 tablets Tylenol Extra Strength (500 mg each)
  +
• Ibuprofen 600 mg
• Take every 6–8 hours, or use prescribed medication as directed

⚠️ Do not take these medications if you are allergic or have been advised by your doctor not to use them.

📞 We’re Here for You
​If you have any questions, concerns, or unexpected symptoms, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your comfort and recovery are our top priorities.

Thank you for trusting us with your care. We wish you a smooth and speedy recovery!

Jeff Velasquez, DDS
541 W. Willow St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
562-424-9473