We understand that you may have questions regarding your child’s procedure.  We are always available to help with those questions.  Many of the answers you are looking for can be found below.  Select a category from the list below to learn more about the post operative instructions for the particular procedure you're looking for.  If you need further information, give us a call.

 

Care after having local anesthesia or being numbed

 

• Do not scratch, chew, suck, or rub the lips, tongue, or cheek while they feel numb or asleep. The child should be watched closely so he/she does not injure his/her lip, tongue, or cheek before the anesthesia wears off.
  
  
• Pain - For discomfort, use Children's Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed for the age of the child. If a medicine was prescribed, then follow the directions on the bottle.
  
  
• Please do not hesitate to contact the office if there are any questions.

 

 

Care of Stainless Steel Crowns or NuSmile Crowns

 

• Eating sticky or chewy candy can remove the crowns.  If a crown ever comes off, place it in a sandwich bag. Call and make an appointment to have it re-cemented.
  
  
• Brush the teeth and gum as normal.  Maintaining good oral hygiene will lengthened the time the crown will last.
  
  
• Soreness around the gums may last for 2-3 days.
  
  
• Pain and soreness relief - Use Children's Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed for the age of the child.  If a medicine was prescribed, then follow the directions on the bottle.
  
  
• Please do not hesitate to contact the office if there are any questions.

 

 

Care of the Mouth after Trauma

 

• Please keep the traumatized area as-clean-as possible.  A soft wash cloth often works well during healing to aid the process.
  
  
• Watch for darkening of traumatized teeth.  This could be an indication of a dying nerve (pulp).
  
  
• If the swelling should re-occur, our office needs to see the patient as-soon-as possible.  Ice should be administered during the first 24 hours to keep the swelling to a minimum.
  
  
• Watch for infection (gum boils) in the area of trauma.  If infection is noticed - call the office so the patient can be seen as-soon-as possible.
  
  
• Maintain a soft diet for two to three days, or until the child feels comfortable eating normally again.
  
  
• Avoid sweets or foods that are extremely hot or cold.
  
  
• If antibiotics or pain medicines are prescribed, be sure to follow the prescription as directed.
  
  
• Please do not hesitate to call the office if there are any questions.

 

 

Care of the Mouth after Extractions

 

• Do not scratch,chew, suck, or rub the lips, tongue, or cheek while they feel numb or asleep.  The child should be watched closely so he/she does not injure his/her lip, tongue, or cheek before the anesthesia wears off.
  
  
• Do not rinse the mouth for several hours.
  
  
• Do not spit excessively.
  
  
• Do not drink a carbonated beverage for the remainder of the day.
  
  
• Do not drink through a straw.
  
  
• Keep fingers and tongue away from the extraction area.
  
  
• Bleeding - Some bleeding is to be expected.  If unusual or sustained bleeding occurs, place cotton gauze firmly over the extraction area and bite down or hold in place for fifteen minutes.  This can also be accomplished with a tea bag. Repeat if necessary.
  
  
• Maintain a soft diet for a day or two, or until the child feels comfortable eating normally again.
  
  
• Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity for several hours after the extraction.
  
  
• Pain - For discomfort use Children's Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed for the age of the child.  If a medicine was prescribed, then follow the directions on the bottle.
  
  
• Please do not hesitate to contact the office if there are any questions.

 

 

 

Oral Discomfort after a Cleaning

 

• A thorough cleaning unavoidably produces some bleeding and swelling and may cause some tenderness or discomfort.  This is not due to a "rough cleaning" but, to tender and inflamed gums from insufficient oral hygiene.
  
  
• We recommend the following for 2-3 days after cleaning was performed: 1) A warm salt water rinse 2 - 3 times per day (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) 2) For discomfort use Children's Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed for the age of the child.
  
  
• Please do not hesitate to contact the office if there are any questions.