Post Op. Instructions

  1. Your child’s lip and cheek will be “asleep” for about two hours. Do not let your child eat during this time, and be sure your child does not bite or irritate these areas.
  2. If your child has had a stainless steel crown, slight bleeding may occur around the gum for two to three days. It is important to keep these areas clean. Gently brush or rub gums around the cheek and tongue side with cotton gauze dipped in salt water. Floss gently to remove food particles. To speed healing, use warm salt water rinses for the first day or two. Routine brushing should begin after one to two days.
  3. If your child has had a composite (white) or alloy (silver) filling, the filling will be hard and your child may chew on it as long as his lip and cheek are not asleep.
  4. If your child has had a tooth extracted, have him/her continue to bite on the gauze for 30 minutes, replacing it as necessary. Slight oozing and staining of saliva is normal and can be expected for at least one day. If HEAVY bleeding continues, call our office. If sutures were placed, they should be removed five to seven days after the extraction, in the office.  Restrict diet and liquids for the first two hours, but DO NOT USE A STRAW. Continue soft foods for the rest of the day. Vigorous rinsing should be avoided for 24 hours. Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals. Brushing and flossing should be resumed after 24 hours.
  5. If your child has taken pre-medication such as Demerol and Phenergan, please restrict activity for approximately three to four hours after the visit. Your child may be slightly off balance and may have difficulty with such activities as bike riding, running or climbing. It is not unusual for small children to take a nap after the visit but continue to monitor the child for arousal and cheek biting.
  6. Tylenol for children can be given for discomfort every four hours. If pain continues, call our office at (281) 565-5437.