Local Anesthesia post op care
- We take great care to administer local anesthetics slowly, gently, and comfortably to eliminate any pain during dental treatment. The numbness typically wears off after two to three hours.
- Please closely monitor your child for at least two hours after the procedure to ensure they don’t accidentally bite their tongue, cheek, or lips. Remind them that their face is numb, and they should avoid chewing, scratching, or sucking on the area to prevent irritation or abrasions.
- Encourage your child to stick to liquids and soft foods until the numbness subsides. Keep in mind that this numb sensation can be the most challenging part for a child to understand. They may cry or think they’re in pain because it feels unfamiliar and confusing. Offering cold foods, such as ice cream, can help soothe this discomfort.
Extraction Post Op Care
- Make sure your child doesn’t bite, suck, or rub their lips together while they are still numb. Keep a close watch until the anesthesia has worn off.
- Have your child bite on the provided gauze until the bleeding stops, which may take up to 30 minutes.
- Avoid using sippy cups, bottles, straws, or pacifiers for the first 24 hours, as the sucking action can prolong bleeding.
- Steer clear of salty, spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods for the first 24 hours, as these can irritate the extraction site. Cold and soft foods, like ice cream, applesauce, or mac and cheese, are ideal.
- Remind your child not to touch the empty socket with their fingers or tongue.
- Limit strenuous activity for the first 24 hours, as it can increase bleeding from the extraction site.
- Some light oozing is normal, but if bleeding becomes heavy, have your child bite on a gauze or tea bag for 15 minutes. If the bleeding persists, call our office at (310) 545-1530 immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
- To manage pain, use Tylenol or Motrin as directed.
Sealants And Resin Restorations Post Op Care
- Prohibit your child from chewing ice.
- Say no to sticky, chewy, and sugary foods like caramel, taffy, and tough fruit chews like Starburst or roll-ups.
- Encourage your child to maintain excellent daily oral hygiene.
- It is important to note that resin fillings are prone to recurrent decay (new decay around the filling margin) and it should be brushed and flossed like a natural tooth.
Crown & Space Maintainer Post Op Care
- To properly place a crown or spacer, work is done just below the gumline, so it’s normal for your child’s gums to be sore for 2-3 days. Mild gum bleeding during brushing is also common over the next few days. To promote healing, gently brush the area two to three times a day and continue flossing.
- Your child should avoid sticky, hard candies like taffy, suckers, Starbursts, and caramels for the life of the crown or spacer. Even though it is securely cemented, these sticky foods can loosen it.
- It may take a few days for your child to adjust to the crown or spacer. Be sure they don’t pick at or pull on it, as this can cause it to come loose over time.
Definition of Pediatric Dental Terminology
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