Following a procedure in which the lip or cheek are numb, be careful not to eat foods that involve chewing until the numbness goes away. Smoothies, milk shakes and yogurt are just a small example of “safe” foods that can be had while numb. You can resume a normal diet once the numbness is gone which should be within 2 to 3 hours after the appointment.
Do not allow your child to rub, scratch or pinch their face while numb as they will surely injure their skin. They may say “it itches” or “hurts”, they are simply referring to the numb sensation and need to be assured that the area is “asleep” and will “wake-up” in a little while.
A self-inflicted bite injury is the most common after-treatment complication. Children do not always understand the effects of local anesthesia, and may chew, scratch, suck, or play with the numb area. These actions can cause minor irritations or they can be severe enough to cause swelling and abrasions to the tissue. The injured area may appear swollen, white/yellow and “infected”. However, this is not a result of infection and does not require antibiotic. You may apply Vaseline / petroleum jelly and the area will heal in 7 to 10 days without leaving any scar of the incident.
If your child is involved in an accident resulting in injuries to the mouth or teeth, please call our office as soon as possible. If you are calling after business hours, you will be able to leave a message for our on call doctor who will return your call as soon as possible. After consideration of your child’s injuries, a determination will be made regarding the need for immediate treatment. Most dental injuries do not require immediate attention; if so, please follow the directions below:
First 24 hours
Monitor after initial healing
When your child has had one or more teeth extracted please follow these instructions:
Activity may need to be limited.
Gauze should stay in place with biting pressure for approximately 10 to 15 minutes after you leave our office. When you remove the gauze it will be soiled; this does not mean your child is bleeding. Often the blood clot will mix with saliva and appear as excessive bleeding. Leave the gauze out and encourage plenty of liquids.
Do not allow your child to drink through a straw, spit vigorously or for our younger patients, use a “sippy” cup for a period of 2 to 3 days as this may disturb the healing clot and possibly cause infection.
You should try to maintain as normal a diet as possible avoiding foods that are sharp, crunchy, too hot or too cold because the area may be sensitive. Pasta, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and yogurt are just a few examples of the diet your child can immediately resume. Encourage plenty of liquids (water, soups, juices, etc.). Let your child determine when a regular diet can be reintroduced.
Prescriptions for pain medication are rarely necessary following routine tooth extractions in children. For any discomfort, give your child children’s Motrin, Advil or Tylenol as directed by the manufacturer as needed. Do not give aspirin. Your child should only need the pain medicine for 24 hours to 48 hours. If pain persists beyond 48 hours, please call our office.
Swelling is seldom seen in children following routine extractions. If swelling does occur, the application of an ice pack over the swollen area will be helpful (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, as needed in the first 24 hours following tooth removal).
A clean mouth heals faster. 24 hours after the procedure, gentle brushing around the extraction site can be started, along with warm salt water rinses (1/4 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water) to help with any discomfort.
Your child’s cheek, lip and tongue will be numb for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Please be very careful that your child does not bite or pick at this area. A self-inflicted bite injury is the most common after treatment complication.
Following a procedure in which the lip or cheek are numb, be careful not to eat foods that involve chewing until the numbness goes away. Smoothies, milk shakes and yogurt are just a small example of “safe” foods that can be had while numb. You can resume a normal diet once the numbness is gone which should be within 2 to 3 hours after the appointment.
A new filling or crown makes a change, however small, in the way teeth fit together. The tongue and cheeks will notice a change and adapt to the new addition, too.
Thermal sensitivity is not uncommon if the decay or preparation was deep, close to the nerve. If the tooth is responding and healing, sensitivity only lasts for a short time after the cold is introduced. Gradually over time the thermal sensitivity decreases, as the tooth develops a healed, protective layer.
If a filling, crown, or other restoration feels “high” and does not allow the other teeth to close together, if may adjust itself in a day or two. If it continues to touch prematurely, it might need an adjustment at the office. Please call if you need to be examined.
Pain might be experienced due to muscle tightness or tenderness following
operative procedures. Common remedies would be Tylenol, Advil, Motrin or other over-the-counter medications. If the pain persists overnight and the doctor has not advised you to expect discomfort, please call the office for instructions.
A thorough teeth cleaning may produce some gum bleeding and swelling and may cause discomfort of the teeth and gums. This is not due to a “rough cleaning”, but due to tender and inflamed gums which results from substandard oral hygiene at home.
If your child experiences gum bleeding or mouth discomfort after teeth cleaning, we recommend the following for 2 to 3 days:
To prevent your child from feeling any discomfort at the next cleaning, maintain twice daily teeth brushing, nightly flossing and good oral habits.
Use an over the counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin), appropriate for your child’s age and weight, as needed.
Performing warm salt water rinses after the procedure at least once a
day for 5 days is recommended.
Brush teeth as normal, avoiding surgical area. 24 hours after the
procedure, begin light brushing of the surgical area with each tooth
brushing.
Care of the Mouth after Frenectomy
Intermittent applications of a cold compress for 2 to 3 hours following
the procedure is recommended.
Use an over the counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin), appropriate for your child’s age and weight, as needed.
Warm salt water rinses 24 hours after the procedure at least once a day
for 5 days is recommended.
Brush teeth as normal, however 48 hours after the procedure, lightly
brush the surgical area with each tooth brushing. Do this for 2 weeks.
Care of the Mouth after Placement of Braces or other
Every retainer, appliance or braces are custom designed for an individual patient. Care is taken so that they fit properly, but the newness will often make clear speech difficult for a few days. Speak slowly, until the tongue becomes accustomed to the new addition.
Pain can occur when orthodontic treatment first begins. Muscle soreness and tooth soreness can last for 24-48 hours. During any sore periods of time, a soft diet, with food cut into small bites will minimize discomfort.
When applicable, white wax is available to pinch off and place on a sharp archwire, bracket or band. The wax that you received at the office is also available in grocery stores and pharmacies. This will protect the irritated
cheek or gum tissue.