Extraction Post-op Instructions for Parents:

1. Your child has had 1 or more teeth taken out – “wiggled”.

 

2. The gauze needs to stay in place with biting pressure for 30 minutes.

 

3. Give your child the appropriate dose of children’s Tylenol, Motrin or Advil when you take the gauze out. Your child should only need this for approximately 12 to 24 hours. If pain persists beyond 48 hours, call our office.

 

4. Your child should eat only soft food for two to three days – nothing crunchy and nothing too hot or cold because the area may be a little sensitive. Encourage plenty of liquids (water, soups, juices, etc.). A regular diet can be started as tolerated by your child.

 

5. NO SPITTING OR DRINKING THROUGH A STRAW OR SIPPIE CUP! This can start the bleeding again.

 

6. 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.

 

7. Activity may need to be limited; sometimes a nap is a good idea.

 

8. Swelling after an extraction is not uncommon and need not cause alarm. Apply an ice pack for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as needed in the 24 hours following tooth removal.

 

9. 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.

 

If you have any questions or should any complications arise,

please call the office at (919) 852-1322.

 

 

Post-Sedation Instructions:

 

It is important for your child’s safety that you follow these instructions carefully! Failure to follow these instructions could result in unnecessary complications.

 

ACTIVITIES Do NOT plan or permit activities for your child after treatment. Allow your child to rest. Closely supervise any activity for the remainder of the day. When sleeping, encourage your child to lie on his/her side or stomach.

 

GETTING HOME Two responsible adults must accompany your child. One adult should drive your child home and a second responsible adult must be available to take care of your child while driving home. Your child should be closely watched for signs of breathing difficulty and carefully secured in a car seat or seat belt during transportation.

 

DRINKING or EATING after TREATMENT After treatment, the first drink should be plain water. Clear liquids can be given next (fruit juice, sugar-free Kool-Aid, Gatorade, ginger ale, soup broth, etc). Small drinks taken repeatedly are preferable to taking large amounts. Soft, luke-warm, bland food may be taken when desired (mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, pudding, ice cream, popsicles, etc.).

 

TEMPERATURE ELEVATION Your child’s temperature may be elevated to 101 F (38 C) for the first 24 hours after treatment. Tylenol every 3-4 hours and fluids will help alleviate this condition. Temperature above 101° F (38° C) is cause to notify Dr. Elliott or Dr. Molina.

 

EXTRACTIONS If your child had teeth removed, a small amount of bleeding is normal. Do NOT let your child spit, as this will cause more bleeding. In order to not disturb the blood clot, do NOT use a straw to drink for the first 24 hours. Also, remember that a small amount of blood mixed in with a lot of spit in the mouth looks like a lot of blood.

 

BRUSHING Since your child has had a cleaning and fluoride treatment today, it is not necessary to resume tooth brushing and flossing until tomorrow morning. However, it is VERY IMPORTANT for you to brush and floss your child’s teeth beginning tomorrow morning and on a daily basis thereafter, to prevent infection and future dental problems.

 

SEEK ADVICE If any of the following problems arise, call Dr. Elliott or Dr. Molina at the office, or if he cannot be reached, call the Emergency Department at your local hospital:· If vomiting persists beyond four (4) hours· If the temperature remains elevated beyond 24 hours or goes above 101° F (38° C).· If there is any difficulty breathing or coloration of the skin is poor.· If any other matter causes you concern.

 

 

PLEASE CONTACT Dr. Elliott or Dr. Molina AT THE OFFICE (919-852-1322)

IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS RELATING TO YOUR CHILD’S TREATMENT