Dentistry

Post Opearative Instructions

After a filling

Your child has been given an injection of local anesthetic to numb his/her teeth in order for us to work on them.
Your child’s mouth (tooth, lip & tongue) will be sleeping for approximately 2 to 3 hours. It is imperative that you watch your child and have him/her bite on the cotton roll provided to prevent damage to his/her oral cavity. If your child is not biting on the cotton roll he/she may bite the tongue, cheek or lip causing serious damage or profound pain later on.

Some children become very upset (even crying hysterically) and complain of excruciating pain when they realize their mouth feels “different.” Please do not be alarmed! Many children are unfamiliar with this numb sensation and associate this with pain. Reassure your child that the “funny feeling” will go away in approximately 2 hours.

After a Stainless Steel Crown

If your child has received a crown/cap the gum tissue surrounding the tooth may appear to be bleeding. This is normal! When preparing your child’s tooth for a crown, it is necessary to fit the crown closely to the gum tissue, resulting in some hemorrhaging and bruising of the tissue. Following placement of the crowns some parents will notice a purple or gray color around the gums; this is also normal and will subside.
Please do not allow your child to eat sticky or caramel type candy as this may dislodge your child’s crown. This applies for as long as the crown is in your child’s mouth.

If your child’s crown does come off please save the crown and call the office so it may be recemented.

After an Extraction

You may resume brushing tonight, brushing gently in the site of the extraction.

Starting tomorrow you may use a warm salt water rinses to keep the extraction site clean. Simply place 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt in a warm cup of water - stir and then have your child swish by mouth 3 to 6 times daily, or at least after each meal or snack.

If your child is too young to swish, simply dip a wash cloth in the mixture and swab the extraction site well after each feeding. This area should heal up in approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

Soft foods are usually tolerated the best for the first few days following removal of the tooth/teeth.

Do not allow your child to suck from a straw or drink carbonated beverages for 48 hours.

After Sedation

Sedation Appointment Post Operative Instructions

For the safety of you child it is essential that you adhere to the following after care instructions:

Your child’s mouth will be numb for about 1-2 hours following the procedure. Many children don’t understand this feeling and may respond by sucking, biting, or scratching the cheek or lip area. Please monitor your child closely so that they don’t bite his/her lip, cheek, or tongue before the feeling returns to these areas.
Some children respond very strongly to the tingly sensation that occurs as the local anesthetic wears off. They may cry and say their mouth hurts. The best approach if this occurs is to try to calm your child and recognize that this is a reaction to an unknown feeling.
Do not allow your child to travel unrestrained on the way home. Have an extra adult sit close to watch your child’s head position to assure an open airway. The head needs to be tipped back or to the side, NOT forward.
Your child may remain sleepy for some time after the appointment. If your child wants to sleep, place him/her on their side with the chin up.
Even if your child doesn’t sleep they will be very drowsy. If your child is moving around keep them away from potential harm (stairways, streets, etc.).
If your child is active and resistant to treatment, it may be necessary to use the hugger to wrap your child for his/her safety. In some circumstances, your child’s movements may result in redness or bruising. If you notice this please inform our staff during the nightly care call.
At first, it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. Drinking liquids is also important to help prevent dehydration. The first meal should be light, non-greasy, and easily digestible.
Upset stomach or vomiting is rare, but can occur. If your child does vomit, help them turn over or turn head to the side to insure your child does not choke.
Should any situations arise, please call our office immediately at 509-662-3621, 1-800-572-7383, or call Dr. Schroeder at 509-741-0544.
You will receive a care call the evening of your appointment. We care about you and your child and want to give you the opportunity to ask any questions as well as let us know how your child is doing.