Treatment of Children Post-Operative Care

If your child is numb, monitor them closely as he or she can pinch or bite the cheek, lip, or tongue.

• Your child may eat or drink food that doesn’t require chewing until the numbness wears off
• Pudding, ice cream, and yogurt are popular choices

Numbness will last approximately 2 hours from the start of the dental appointment

The gums near the tooth or teeth treated can be sore. Teeth are sometimes sensitive after fillings are placed.

• A soft diet can help
• Chewing on the opposite side of the mouth is recommended

Have your child bite on cotton gauze (given in your post-op kit) for about 20 minutes to stop the bleeding.

• If bleeding continues, apply pressure for another 10–20 minutes
• Avoid sharp foods such as chips for 3–4 days, as they can poke the extraction area
• On the day of the procedure, do not allow:
  
  • Straws
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Spitting

These actions can disturb the extraction area and cause undue pain.

You may give your child ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) in the appropriate dose every 4–6 hours as needed for pain.

• Most find that only one dose is needed, as children tend to recover more quickly than adults
  
• If your child has bitten their tongue, cheek, or lip while numb:
  
  • Keep the area clean
  • Rinse with salt water for discomfort

Once sealants are placed, your child may resume normal eating and drinking.

• Avoid hard candies and chewing ice to prevent fractures
• Avoid sticky candies that could pull out sealants
• Sealants do not prevent all decay, so flossing is still needed to protect the sides of your child’s teeth