Loveland, Colorado Dentist Office

Pediatrics Post-Op Instructions

Numbness Post-Operative Instructions:

• The sensation of being numb after the appointment is typically the most challenging aspect for a child to understand It may take 1-4 hours for the numbness to wear off
• Avoid eating foods that require much chewing (a soft food diet is recommended)
• Monitor your child closely so that he/she does not bite their tongue, cheek or lips

Extraction Post-Operative Instructions:

• Have your child bite on the provided gauze until bleeding is controlled, which may take up to 30 minutes
• Remember that your child’s cheek, lips and tongue may be numb for approximately 2-4 hours after the procedure
• Avoid sippy cups, bottles, straws and pacifiers for the first 24 hours after the procedure. The sucking action may cause prolonged bleeding
• Avoid salty, spicy, acidic or crunchy foods for the first 24 hours as this may irritate the extraction site. Cold and/or soft foods are a great choice (i.e. ice cream, applesauce, mac and cheese, etc.)
• Administer children’s Tylenol or Motrin for any discomfort
• Do not allow your child to participate in strenuous activity for the first 24 hours as this may increase bleeding from the extraction site
• A small amount of oozing is normal; however, if bleeding becomes heavy have your child bite on a gauze or tea bag for 15 minutes
• If bleeding continues or is not controlled, call our office immediately

Resin Post-Operative Instructions:

• If your child is numb, please follow the post-op instructions for numbness
• Avoid sticky, hard candies and chewing on ice to prevent breaking the filling or crown
• Avoid using front teeth to bite directly into hard food such as apples, carrots and corn on the cob
• Limit drinking or eating dark colored beverages and foods as this may cause staining and discoloration of the resin material
• 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
• For any discomfort, Tylenol or Ibuprofen is recommended Amalgam

Post-Operative Instructions:

• If your child is numb, please follow the post-op instructions for numbness
• The filling will not reach maximum hardness for 24 hours; therefore, a soft food diet for the day is encouraged. Milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt, applesauce and macaroni and cheese are great choices
• To properly place the filling, work may be done below the gum line; therefore, your child’s gums may be sore for 2-3 days.
• Your child’s gum tissue may bleed upon brushing for the next few days. To help with healing, keep the area clean by gently brushing two to three times a day and flossing
• For any discomfort, Tylenol or Ibuprofen is recommended