First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

  • INSTRUCTIONS FOR

POST-OP CARE

tooth extraction, dental anesthesia & post-op care instructions

you JUST got home after A GREAT DENTAL APPOINTMENT, perhaps a tooth extraction and/or receiving dental anesthesia, AND NOW YOU'RE TRYING TO REMEMBER ALL OF THE POST-OP CARE INSTRUCTIONS YOU DISCUSSED WITH YOUR DENTAL TEAM...

…don’t worry, it happens! While we try to make sure that after procedures like tooth extraction and dental anesthesia, all post-op care instructions are communicated clearly before you leave our offices, it’s only human-nature to forget some of the details or simply need a reminder. So we put together this little guide as a refresher of sorts. Please follow your Doctor’s specific care instructions as provided at your appointment, as they are derived unique to each patient’s needs. The recommendations below are simply general guidelines and should not override any doctor’s outlined care approach. 

After a Tooth Extraction

If your child underwent a tooth extraction during their visit with us: 

  • Until the numbness has subsided, please only offer your child liquids and soft foods (yogurt, smoothies, or soft noodles like mac and cheese). If you offer a smoothie, remember – no straws! 
  • You’ll want to do your very best to keep the open socket as clean as possible; closely monitor the area and avoid agitation with things such as hard or crunchy foods that could get into the opening.
  • Do your best to monitor and remind your child not to touch the open socket with their fingers or tongue.
  • After an extraction, seeing traces of blood in your child’s saliva is normal. However, if your child is sustaining extended periods of active bleeding we’d like for you to address the situation. Place a wad of gauze firmly over the socket and have your child bite down for ten minutes to clot the bleeding. A damp wash cloth can be used in place of gauze, if you don’t have any. Another option families like to use to stop the bleeding is having their child bite down on a wet black tea bag. ***If the bleeding persists after trying one of these options, please know you can call us at any time! 
  • Discomfort can be alleviated with Tylenol or Ibuprofen, as directed. 

After Receiving Dental Anesthesia

If your child received dental anesthesia during their care, please note that their lips, tongue, teeth and surrounding areas may still feel numb. This is normal! Every child experiences this sensation for varying lengths of time based on differing levels of metabolism and other genetic and situational factors, but typically we see kids feel the “sleepy juice” effects for two hours after their procedure. While they feel this sensation, here’s what you can do to help the healing process:

  • Until the numbness has subsided, please only offer your child liquids and soft foods (yogurt, smoothies, or soft noodles like mac and cheese).
  • Monitor your child during this period of numbness and deter them from scratching, chewing, sucking, pulling and poking at their face or mouth as this could agitate the site. Offer a reminder that even if they can’t feel their actions, they shouldn’t do it!  
 And remember — if at any point you’d like a reminder of your child’s unique post-op care, tooth extraction follow-up, or if you have concerns or questions about their recovery process beyond the guidance provided above, our team is always available to chat with you! 

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