Post-Operative Care

Care After Local Anesthesia

The cheeks, tongue and gums may be numb or have a tingling sensation for several hours after local anesthesia. Often, children do not understand the effects of local anesthesia, and may chew, suck, or play with the numb area. Doing so can cause irritation, or in severe cases bleeding and swelling. Please monitor your child until the numb sensation wears off, usually by 2 hours after the procedure. As swallowing may also be impaired while the mouth is numb, please keep your child on a liquid or soft diet for several hours after the procedure.

Care After Extractions

See above for care after local anesthesia. In addition, please follow these instructions:

• Do not rinse the mouth for several hours
  
• Do not spit excessively
  
• Do not drink through a straw
  
• Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity for several hours after the extraction
  

These actions could potentially disrupt the blood clot which prevents further bleeding and protects the area. Take Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Motrin as directed for pain.

Care of Sealants

Your child should avoid chewing ice or eating hard or very chewy candy which can damage the sealant. Regular dental appointments are recommended in order for your child’s dentist to be certain the sealants remain in place. Sealants guard the top surface of the tooth however the sides and areas in between the teeth are still vulnerable to decay. Sealants do not take the place of proper brushing and flossing!