Local Anesthetic

If your child has been given an injection of local anesthetic, the teeth, lip, gums, and cheek may be numb for a few hours. Some children may become upset at the feeling of numbness, interpreting that feeling as pain. Reassure them that this is temporary and that the “funny feeling” will shortly subside and go away. It may help to give the child a popsicle to suck. Wait until the numbness subsides before giving any food.

It is very important that you watch your child closely, in order to monitor accidental biting of the numb lip, tongue or cheek. Should your child inadvertently bite his or her lip, keep the area clean. Saltwater rinses, cool compresses, popsicles and ice cream, as well as children’s ibuprofen, may help. It will take a few days, but the bite will heal. Swelling is normal and will subside with proper care. Antibiotics are generally not necessary if the swelling is localized to the area of the injury.

If you are concerned, please contact our office to discuss your concerns

Extractions

Some minimal bleeding is normal the day of the procedure. You may notice a very small amount of blood with brushing, eating or sleeping within the next few days. If the bleeding cannot be easily stopped with a piece of cloth or gauze, or a wet tea bag, please call our office.

If there is slight bleeding from the extraction site, have your child bite down on a clean, moist piece of gauze for three to five minutes. Moisten the gauze with cold water, but squeeze out most of the water. Should the bleeding persist uncontrollably, call us so we can advise you. For a day following the procedure, minimize sucking through a straw or spitting; since that could aggravate bleeding. He or she should avoid chewing crunchy foods for a few days. Keep the site clean by brushing very gently around the area twice a day. Gently rinsing with warm salt water may help speed the healing process. Use ibuprofen as directed for any pain.

Stainless Steel Crowns

If your child has been given an injection of local anesthetic, the teeth, lip, gums, and cheek may be numb for a few hours. Some children may become upset at the feeling of numbness, interpreting that feeling as pain. Reassure them that this is temporary and that the “funny feeling” will shortly subside and go away. It may help to give the child a popsicle to suck. Wait until the numbness subsides before giving any food.

Placement of a stainless steel crown can be followed by some slight bleeding and irritation around the gums. Often, this is caused by the process by which the tooth is prepared for acceptance of the crown. The healing process will take only a few days if the tooth and mouth are kept clean with proper brushing and flossing. However, your child should be careful not to chew hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the crown. Brushing and rinsing with salt water may help speed healing.

Zirconium Crowns

If your child has been given an injection of local anesthetic, the teeth, lip, gums, and cheek may be numb for a few hours. Some children may become upset at the feeling of numbness, interpreting that feeling as pain. Reassure them that this is temporary and that the “funny feeling” will shortly subside and go away. It may help to give the child a popsicle to suck. Wait until the numbness subsides before giving any food.

Placement of a Zirconium crown can be followed by some slight bleeding and irritation around the gums. Often, this is caused by the process by which the tooth is prepared for acceptance of the crown. The healing process will take only a few days if the tooth and mouth are kept clean with proper brushing and flossing. However, your child should be careful not to chew hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the crown. Brushing and rinsing with salt water may help speed healing.

Pulpotomy (Nerve Treatment)

This procedure does not normally require any special aftercare instructions. A diet of soft foods for a few days following the procedure is sometimes helpful, should there be discomfort.

Sealants

Sealants are placed on the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect them from cavities. In order to maintain the sealant’s integrity, your child should avoid chewing ice or hard, sticky candies.

Composite Fillings

Often there is little discomfort after placement of fillings. On occasion, there is some transient discomfort that usually subsides shortly. If a local anesthetic was given, the discomfort may originate from the injection site rather than from the tooth itself. Because white fillings do not wear the same way silver fillings do, an adjustment in the bite may be required. In that case, a short follow-up visit may be necessary.

If your child experiences sensitivity to heat and cold, pain when chewing or spontaneous pain, please call our office for an appointment.