Post-Op Instructions for Parents

After Local Anesthetic (Numbing)

• The sensation of being numb aftr the appointment is typically the most challenging aspect for a child to understand.
• Your child’s lips, cheeks, and tongue will feel numb for 2–3 hours.
• Watch carefully! Remind your child not to bite, chew, or scratch their lips or tongue.
• Give soft , cold or room temperature foods until the numbness wears off.
• NO HOT food for 2-3 hours until the numbness wears off.
• Mild soreness is normal—Children’s Tylenol or Motrin may be used if needed.

After Oral Conscious Sedation

• Supervise closely for the rest of the day.
• Your child may be sleepy, dizzy, or unsteady—help them walk.
• Offer clear liquids first, then soft foods as tolerated.
• Some nausea and vomiting is normal after a sedative.
• Avoid rough play or climbing for 24 hours.
• Let them rest at home for the remainder of the day.

After Resin (white) Fillings

• If your child is numb, please follow the post-op instructions for numbness.
• Some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a few days.
• Avoid sticky, hard candies and chewing on ice to prevent breaking the filling.
• It is important to note that resin fillings are prone to recurrent decay (new decay around the filling margin) and it should be brushed and flossed like a natural tooth. 
• For any discomfort, tylenol or ibuprofen is recommended.
  

Pulpotomy (“Nerve Treatment”)

• Treat like a crown—mild soreness is normal.
• Continue good brushing habits.
• Call us if your child has swelling or persistent pain.
  

After Extractions

• Your child will be numb so please follow the post-op instructions for numbness.
• Bite on gauze for 20–30 minutes to stop bleeding.
• If bleeding continues, replace gauze and bite firmly. A small amouint of oozing is normal.
• No spitting, rinsing, straw , sippy cups, pacifiers use for 24 hours. The sucking action may cause prolonged bleeding.
• Soft, cool foods today; avoid crunchy, spicy, salty, acidic foods.
• Children tylenol or motrin for pain for 2 days as needed.
• Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours as this may increase bleeding from the extraction site.

After Space Maintainer

•  Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods (gum, caramel, gummies, hard candy, ice). 
•  Brush gently around the appliance but keep the teeth and gums clean every day.
•   Rinse with water after meals to keep food from getting trapped.
•  Mild soreness is normal for 1–2 days; children’s pain relievers can help (as advised by your dentist).
•  If loose, call the office as soon as possible 

Sealants

• Your child can eat right away.
• Teeth may feel “high” or a little different when biting at first; this usually goes away in a few days. 
• Avoid biting hard objects (ice, pencils, fingernails) to keep sealants from chipping. 
• Sealants protect from cavities but still need daily brushing and flossing.

After a Frenectomy (Tongue or Lip Tie Release)

• Mild soreness or swelling is normal for a few days — you can use Children’s Tylenol or Motrin for comfort as needed.
  
• Keep the area clean: gently wipe or rinse with water after feedings or meals.
  
• Stretching exercises are essential to prevent reattachment — our team will show you exactly how and how often to do them.
  
• Feeding: nurse, bottle-feed, or eat soft foods as tolerated; avoid hot or spicy foods for a few days.
  
• A small white or yellow patch may appear under the tongue or lip — this is normal healing tissue, not infection.

Call Our Office If :

• Bleeding won’t stop
• Fever, swelling, or severe pain
• Anything doesn’t look or feel right