After gingival recession coverage with a combined technique
Key points
- Keep the gauze pad in place for 20–30 minutes, then remove it.
- Do not rinse your mouth actively or use a straw during the first 24 hours.
- Do not touch the surgical area with your tongue, fingers, or toothbrush.
- Apply cold to the cheek through a cloth for 10–15 minutes with breaks during the first hours.
- Avoid chewing on the operated side for 7–14 days or as advised by your doctor.
- Smoking, vaping, hookah, and alcohol are prohibited for at least 72 hours.
- Take all medications strictly as prescribed.
- Contact the clinic if pain, swelling, fever, or bleeding increases.
Recovery plan
First 30 minutes
- A blood clot forms in the surgical area.
- Keep the gauze pad in place for 20–30 minutes, then gently remove it.
- Slight bleeding or oozing is normal.
First 24 hours
- Moderate pain and increasing swelling are possible.
- Do not touch the surgical site or pull on the lip.
- Do not rinse actively and do not use an irrigator.
Days 2–3
- Swelling and discomfort may reach their peak.
- Pain should gradually decrease.
- If antiseptic baths are prescribed, perform them gently.
Days 4–7
- Healing continues and discomfort gradually subsides.
- Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical area.
- If sutures are present, follow the scheduled follow-up visits.
Days 7–14
- You may gradually return to your usual diet.
- Avoid trauma to the surgical area and hard foods.
What you can and cannot do
| YOU CAN | YOU SHOULD NOT |
|---|---|
| Eat soft, cool, or warm foods | Eat hot, spicy, or very hard foods |
| Drink water in small sips | Drink hot beverages during the first 24 hours |
| Brush teeth while avoiding the surgical area | Injure the area with a toothbrush or objects |
| Apply cold to the cheek through a cloth | Heat the cheek or use warming compresses |
| Rest and maintain a calm routine | Visit saunas, baths, exercise, or heavy physical activity for 3–5 days |
| Perform gentle antiseptic baths if prescribed | Rinse the mouth actively during the first 24 hours |
| Take medications as prescribed | Change dosages or stop medications on your own |
Normal reactions after surgery
Swelling and bruising
Swelling usually increases for up to 2–3 days and then decreases.
Bruising of the lip or cheek is possible and gradually resolves.
Pain
Moderate pain during the first day is normal.
Pain relief should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor.
Tissue tightness
A feeling of tightness in the gum and lip may last for 5–10 days.
Body temperature
A slight increase in body temperature up to 37.5 °C is possible during the first 1–2 days.
A temperature above 38 °C is a reason to contact your doctor.
When to contact your doctor urgently
- bleeding does not stop for more than 3 hours
- pain increases after 2–3 days
- body temperature rises above 38 °C
- a purulent odor or discharge appears
- swelling increases after 3 days or spreads
- sutures open or flap mobility appears
Frequently asked questions
After 2–3 hours, once the anesthesia has worn off. Food should be soft and not hot.
Yes, but carefully, without touching the surgical area. Use a soft toothbrush.
Usually on days 7–10 if the sutures are not resorbable. Exact timing will be confirmed by your doctor.
Prescribed medications
Pain relievers (NSAIDs)
Take strictly according to your doctor’s instructions.
Do not combine medications without approval.
Antiseptic agents
Use at the specified frequency.
Perform rinses gently, without active movements.
Antibiotics
Not always required.
If prescribed, complete the full course.
Additional medications
Decongestants or antihistamines — only as recommended by your doctor.
