Your child’s lip, tongue and cheek will be numb for approximately 2 hours. As this area “wakes up” and regains feeling, it may feel funny to them. Please discourage your child from rubbing, pinching or biting this area. If your child does bite the area, a sore can occur causing swelling and redness. While this is not serious it is uncomfortable for your child. Motrin or Tylenol and cool and creamy foods will help this feel better.
Stainless Steel Crowns
- It is normal to have some soreness around the crown for a few days after placement. Children’s Tylenol or Advil should be given for pain relief.
- Your child should avoid sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, tootsie rolls, etc. as long as the crown is in the mouth. These foods can dislodge the crown.
Extractions
- Bleeding should be controlled before your child is dismissed. Some bleeding and oozing is normal for several hours. If bleeding is present, your child should bite firmly on a gauze pad for 10-20 minutes. Change the gauze if it becomes saturated.
- There may be a packing in the extraction sockets. It will dissolve on its own. If it comes out, this is fine. Use pressure to control the bleeding.
- Avoid any sucking motion (including the use of a straw) for 1-2 days. Any sucking motion may cause bleeding from the extraction site.
- A soft diet is best for the next 24 hours. Avoid hard foods such as pretzels and chips. Allow your child to resume normal chewing in a few days.
Composite Filling
- After a filling, the tooth may feel sensitive for a few days.
- If the filling is on a front tooth, avoid biting anything hard (apple, pizza crust, toys, etc.). The composite filling is not as strong as a natural tooth and may chip or break.
- If the filling loosens or breaks, or is causing pain, please contact the office.
Sealants (No numbness)
Your child may feel a slight difference in their bite due to the material on the tooth. This will adjust itself with normal chewing in a few days. Your child should avoid sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, tootsie rolls, etc. If there is a problem, please call the office.
