Post-Operation Instructions

Care of the Mouth after Local Anesthetic

Your child has had local anesthetic for their dental procedure:

  • If the procedure was in the lower jaw, the tongue, teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep.
  • If the procedure was in the upper jaw, the teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep.

Often, children do not understand the effects of local anesthesia, and may chew, scratch, suck or play with the numb lip, tongue or cheek. These actions can cause minor irritations or they can be severe enough to cause swelling and abrasions to the tissue. Please monitor your child closely for at least two hours following the appointment. It is recommended to keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off.

*****Please do not hesitate to call 303-627-8300 if there are any questions.

 

Extraction Post-Operative Care

Your child has had one or more teeth “wiggled" out. Please follow the below directions and call our office with any questions or concerns. Your child"s cheek, lip and tongue will be numb for approximately 1-2 hours. Please be very careful that your child does not bite at his/her cheek or pick at this area. As this area “wakes up," it may feel funny. A self-inflicted bite injury is the most common post-op complication. Please keep an eye on your child! If your child has bitten their cheek or tongue, please call our office right away as we may need to prescribe an antibiotic.

  • The gauze needs to stay in place with biting pressure for 30 minutes. This will reduce the amount of bleeding
  • Give your child the appropriate dose of children"s Tylenol when you take the gauze out (No aspirin or Advil). Your child should only need this for approximately 12-24 hours. If pain persists beyond 48 hours, please call our office.
  • Your child should eat only soft food for the first couple days; nothing sharp or crunchy. Also avoid foods that are small so that they do not get stuck and cause an infection. Encourage plenty of liquids (water, soups, juices, etc.).
  • NO spitting or drinking through a straw or “Sippy" cup. The force can start the bleeding again.
  • A clean mouth heals faster. Gentle brushing around the extraction site can be started immediately along with warm salt water rinses (1/4 teaspoon to a glass of water) to aid with any discomfort.
  • Activity may need to be limited. Sometimes a nap is a good idea.
  • Swelling after an extraction is not uncommon and should not alarm you. If this occurs, apply an ice pack for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as needed in the 24 hours following tooth removal.

*****Please call our office at 303-627-8300 with any questions or concerns!

 

General Anesthesia Post-Operative Care

Your child"s mouth may be tender and sore for 24-48 hours after surgery.

  • Stock up on clear foods and drinks such as broth, apple juice, popsicles and Jell-O.
  • Your child"s appetite should return in 12-24 hours. When your child is ready, begin with foods that are bland, such as noodles and mashed potatoes.
  • Plan quiet activities. Your child may be uncoordinated or confused up to 24 hours. Therefore it is advised to limit their activities during this brief time.
  • Swelling after an extraction is not uncommon and should not alarm you. If this occurs, apply an ice pack for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as needed in the 24 hours following tooth removal.
  • Your child"s cheek, lip and tongue will be numb for approximately 1-2 hours. Please be very careful that your child does not bite at his/her cheek or pick at this area. As this area “wakes up," it may feel funny. A self-inflicted bite injury is the most common post-op complication. Please keep an eye on your child!
  • Motrin may be given for discomfort; use at your discretion.

*****Please do not hesitate to call our office with any questions or concerns!