Post-Op Care

Care of the Mouth After Local Anesthetic

For young children, the numb feeling of local anesthetic can be confusing. To try and make sense of it, they tend to chew, suck, or otherwise play with the numbed area. However, this must be discouraged as it can cause irritation, set back the healing process, and can cause swelling. Monitor your child closely for at least two hours after treatment to give the numbing a chance to wear off and eliminate the appeal of the bad habits. A liquid or soft diet that doesn’t require chewing is recommended until the numbing has worn off. Should your child bite their lip, cheek, or tongue while it is numb, use a cold compress to reduce swelling and if there is bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure. Call us if you have any questions or concerns.

Care of the Mouth After Trauma

Cleanliness is important with any injury, and it is especially true with oral trauma. Keep the mouth clean and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you notice any darkening of the teeth, this is a sign of the nerve dying and makes the child more susceptible to infection in the effected teeth. Should you notice a darkening tooth or teeth or a bubble near the gums, contact us as soon as possible so we can render the appropriate treatment.

Care of the Mouth After Tooth Removal

After tooth removal, the local anesthetic should remain in effect for a short while. However, you will need to give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever to help them deal with the discomfort once the numbing has worn off. You will want to avoid the use of straws or bottles that require your child to suck to drink and careful brushing must be used to keep the area clean without harming it for at least two weeks after the extraction. You may notice a small amount of bleeding from time to time but should contact us if the bleeding seems too frequent or significant.