Post Operative Instructions for Your Child’s Dental Care
At LeBlanc & Associates, we prioritize your child’s comfort and healing following any dental procedure. Proper post-operative care is essential to ensure that your child heals well and remains comfortable during recovery. Below, you’ll find helpful instructions for general post-operative care, as well as specific guidance for IV sedation procedures.
Please review both the Post Operative Instructions and Post Operative IV Sedation Instructions documents for a comprehensive overview of how to care for your child after their procedure.
Overview of Post Operative Instructions
Local Anesthetic/Numbness
- After the appointment, your child may experience numbness, which can last between 1-4 hours. During this time, avoid foods that require chewing. A soft food diet is recommended.
- Monitor your child to prevent biting or chewing on their tongue, cheeks, or lips, which could cause swelling. If swelling occurs, treat with a cold compress and over-the-counter pain medications (Motrin/Tylenol).
Extractions
- Have your child bite on gauze until bleeding stops (up to 30 minutes). Avoid sippy cups, bottles, straws, or pacifiers for 24 hours to prevent bleeding.
- Avoid salty, spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods for the first 24 hours. Opt for cold and soft foods like ice cream, applesauce, or mac and cheese.
- If bleeding continues, apply a gauze or tea bag for 15 minutes. Contact our office immediately if bleeding does not stop.
Fillings and Sealants
- Your child’s bite may feel different for 1-2 days. Avoid hard foods (like ice or hard candy) and sticky foods for at least 3 days to prevent damage to the fillings or sealants.
Crowns and Space Maintainers
- The bite may feel different initially, and there may be some soreness or slight bleeding around the crown. Brush gently around the crown to aid healing.
- Avoid sticky foods (tootsie rolls, caramel, etc.), as they may cause the crown to loosen. If the crown comes off, please call us for an appointment.
Overview of Post Operative IV Sedation Instructions
Post-Op Care
- Ensure someone stays with your child throughout the day to monitor their recovery. A soft food diet is recommended for the rest of the day, and gentle brushing is allowed after the procedure.
- Follow any pain medication instructions given by the anesthesia team and rinse with warm water as needed.
Extractions
- As with other extractions, have your child bite on gauze until bleeding is controlled, which may take up to 30 minutes.
- Avoid sippy cups, straws, or pacifiers for the first 24 hours. Cold and soft foods are recommended to soothe the area.
Fillings and Sealants
- Your child’s bite may feel different for 1-2 days. As with non-IV sedation procedures, avoid hard and sticky foods to prevent damage to the dental work.
Crowns and Space Maintainers
- Soreness may occur around the crown, and mild bleeding is normal. Use a gentle brush to clean the gums, and if prescribed, use Periogard as instructed to promote healing.
- Avoid sticky foods, and if a crown comes off, contact us immediately for re-cementing.
Post Operative Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before my child eats after a dental procedure?
After a dental procedure, it’s important to wait until the numbness from the anesthetic wears off (typically 1-4 hours). During this time, offer soft foods to avoid irritation or injury to the treated area.
What should I do if my child experiences swelling or pain after a procedure?
If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress for relief. For pain, administer over-the-counter medications like Motrin or Tylenol, as directed. If swelling or pain persists, contact our office for further guidance.
When can my child resume normal activities after a dental procedure?
We recommend avoiding strenuous activities for the first 24 hours after the procedure, especially following extractions or other invasive treatments, to reduce the risk of bleeding and ensure proper healing.
Can my child brush and floss after the procedure?
Yes, but if your child had a filling or crown, avoid brushing or flossing the treated area for the first 24 hours. For IV sedation patients, brushing can be resumed gently, and flossing the next day.
When should I contact the office after my child’s dental procedure?
If your child experiences prolonged bleeding, severe pain, or if you notice any unusual reactions or complications, contact our office immediately. We’re here to provide support and ensure a smooth recovery.