Post-Operative Care


Post-Operative Care

Care of the Mouth after Extractions
Care of the Mouth after Local Anesthetic
Taking Care of Teeth after Sealants
Care of the Mouth after Trauma
Soreness after any Treatment

Care of the Mouth after Extractions

  1. Avoid biting, sucking, or rubbing the lips while they fill numb or stiff. Your child should be watched closely so that they do not chew their lip before the anesthesia

  2. Avoid any hard or hot foods.

  3. DO NOT RINSE the mouth for several hours.

  4. DO NOT DRINK any beverages containing carbonation for the remainder of the day of the extractions. Do NOT drink through a straw.

  5. KEEP FINGERS AND TONGUE away from socket.

  6. BLEEDING: Some bleeding following tooth extraction is to be expected. If unusual or sustained bleeding occurs, place gauze firmly over the area of extraction and bite down or hold in place for ten minutes. A WET tea bag can also be used to bite on and help stop the bleeding.

  7. PAIN: For discomfort, use Tylenol or any other aspirin substitute as directed for the age of the patient
    [Back to Top]

Care of the Mouth after Local Anesthetic

  • If the procedure was in the lower jaw (mandible) ... the tongue, teeth, lip, and surrounding tissue will usually be numb or asleep.

  • If the procedure was in the upper jaw (maxilla) ... the teeth, lip, and surrounding tissue will usually be numb or asleep..
  1. Please monitor your child closely for approximately one to two hours following their appointment.

  2. Children do not understand the feeling of local anesthesia, and may chew, scratch, suck, or play with the numb lip, tongue, or cheek. These actions can cause minor irritations or they can be severe enough to cause swelling and major abrasions to the tissue.

  3. Keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off and they regain feeling.

  4. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if there are any questions.

[Back to Top]

Taking Care of Teeth after Sealants

  1. No eating ice. Large cubes, especially, can cause the sealant to chip or to come off.

  2. Stay away from food that is sticky or chewy, such as caramel, taffy, starburst, fruit roll ups, etc. Sugar-less gum can be chewed.

  3. GOOD oral hygiene is also important to your teeth. The sealant will protect the chewing surface of the tooth, but you must have good brushing and flossing habits to protect the sides and areas in-between the teeth.

  4. We will replace the sealant for up to 2 1/2 years, as long as the patient is up-to-date on their recall.
    [Back to Top]

Care of the Mouth after Trauma

  1. Watch for gumboils in area of trauma. If one should occur, we will need to see the patient as soon as possible.

  2. Watch for darkening of traumatized teeth. This could be an indication of a dying nerve.

  3. If swelling occurs and gets better, then should re-occur, we would need to see the patient quickly.

  4. Keep the traumatized area extra clean. It will be a factor in the healing process.

  5. Maintain a soft diet for 2-3 days or until child feels comfortable eating normally again.

  6. Avoid sweets and foods that are extremely hot or cold.

  7. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to follow the prescription as directed.
    [Back to Top]

Soreness after any Treatment

  1. A warm salt water rinse 2 - 3 times per day 
    (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water)

  2. For discomfort use Children's Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed for the age of the child.

  3. If soreness is severe or persists for more than a few days, Please do not hesitate to contact the office or if there are any questions.
    [Back to Top]

Source: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
© 2009. Angel Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and its licensors, All Right Reserved.
Pediatric Dentist serving infants, children and teens in Philadelphia areas.