Why have the swelling and pain not gone away after surgery for gum tag?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter had an oral surgery on wednesday to remove her gum tag so her gap in her braces can close up, the swelling and pain still have not gone away, how can we reduce this further?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Pain and swelling after minor oral procedures are quite normal for the following 3 to 5 days. This pain and swelling will eventually fade off and regress. For lingering pain even after taking pain killers, please:

1. Do not skip doses and take them on-time. Please advise her to take prescribed pain medicines on time thrice daily because if the dose is missed or taken after the pain had already started, will not be that effective in controlling pain.

2. Avoid hot, spicy, hard and chewy foods. This can cause swelling to increase and delay healing.

3. Please leave the area undisturbed, because any irritant in that area could delay healing.

4. Avoid forceful mouth rinsing.

5. Follow gentle brushing.

6. Rinse mouth gently after every meal to remove food deposits coz food lodgement in that area could cause an infection.

If the pain relief is not that adequate, please talk to your dentist and get the dosage increased. Following the post-operative instructions precisely will help better and faster healing.