Preventive

A thorough cleaning may produce some bleeding and tenderness or discomfort around the gums.  If this persists 2-3 days after the cleaning , you may help the child rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times per day.  For discomfort you may also give your child Children’s Tylenol®, Advil® or Motrin® as directed for the age and weight of your child.

After most fluoride treatments, patients should not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to increase the fluoride’s direct contact with the teeth.

After a sealant is placed, your child may feel the coating on their teeth. The feeling subsides within 24 hours. After the sealant appointment your child should refrain from eating sticky or chewy foods for 24 hours.

Restorative

Following Anesthesia

Monitor your child closely for approximately two hours following the appointment.  It is often wise to keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off.  Remind your child to refrain from biting, picking, scratching, sucking, or playing with the numb areas.

Following Operative Care/Fillings

Some tooth and gum tissue manipulation was necessary to perform the procedure and may result in sensitivity or discomfort.  Should this occur, you may give your child Children’sTylenol®, Advil® or Motrin® as directed for the age and weight of your child. If sensitivity or discomfort continues for more than 24 hours, please contact our office.

Following Pulp treatment (aka Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy/Baby Root Canals)

If your child is experiencing sensitivity after this treatment, you may give your child Children’s Tylenol®, Advil® or Motrin® as directed for the age and weight of your child.  If sensitivity or discomfort continues for more than 24 hours, please contact our office.

Following Extractions

Please instruct you child not to rinse, spit, or drink through a straw.  Have them keep fingers and tongue away from the area.  If unusual or sustained bleeding occurs, place cotton gauze firmly over the extraction area and bite down or hold in place for thirty minutes.  Repeat every thirty minutes until the area is no longer bleeding.  Maintain a soft diet for a day or two, or until the child feels comfortable eating normally again.  Avoid strenuous exercise and physical activity for the rest of the day after the extraction.  For discomfort use Children’s Tylenol®, Advil® or Motrin® as directed for the age and weight of your child.  If sensitivity or discomfort continues for more than 24 hours, please contact our office.