Post-Operative Instructions - Little Elephant Dental Care

Numbness:

The sensation of being numb after the appointment is typically the most challenging aspect for a child to understand
It may take 1-4 hours for the numbness to wear off
Avoid eating foods that require much chewing (a soft food diet is recommended)
Monitor your child closely so that he/she does not bite their tongue, cheek or lips

If your child is numb, please follow the post-op instructions for numbness
Avoid sticky, hard candies and chewing on ice to prevent breaking the filling or crown
Avoid using front teeth to bite directly into hard food such as apples, carrots and corn on the cob
Limit drinking or eating dark colored beverages and foods as this may cause staining and discoloration of the resin material
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

If your child is numb, please follow the post-op instructions for numbness
The filling will not reach maximum hardness for 24 hours; therefore, a soft food diet for the day is encouraged. Milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt, applesauce and macaroni and cheese are great choices
To properly place the filling, work may be done below the gumline; therefore, your child’s gums may be sore for 2-3 days. Your child’s gum tissue may bleed upon brushing for the next few days. To help with healing, keep the area clean by gently brushing two to three times a day and flossing
For any discomfort, Tylenol or Ibuprofen is recommended

Your child will be numb so please follow the post-op instructions for numbness
To seat the crown or spacer correctly, work must be done just below the gumline; therefore, expect your child’s gums to be sore for 2-3 days. Your child’s gum tissue may bleed upon brushing for the next few days. To help with healing, keep the area clean by gently brushing two to three times a day and flossing
It may take a few days for your child to adjust to the crown or spacer. Do not let your child pick or pull at the crown or spacer as continuous force and pressure can pull it off
Your child should avoid sticky, hard candies (i.e. taffy, suckers, starbursts, caramels) for the life of the crown or spacer. Although it is cemented on to the tooth structure, these sticky foods can cause the crown or spacer to become loose

Have your child bite on the provided gauze until bleeding is controlled, which may take up to 30 minutes
Remember that your child’s cheek, lips and tongue may be numb for approximately 2-4 hours after the procedure
Avoid sippy cups, bottles, straws and pacifiers for the first 24 hours after the procedure. The sucking action may cause prolonged bleeding
Avoid salty, spicy, acidic or crunchy foods for the first 24 hours as this may irritate the extraction site. Cold and/or soft foods are a great choice (i.e. ice cream, applesauce, mac and cheese, etc.)
Administer children’s Paracetamol Medication / Pain Killer Medication for any discomfort
Do not allow your child to participate in strenuous activity for the first 24 hours as this may increase bleeding from the extraction site
A small amount of oozing is normal; however, if bleeding becomes heavy have your child bite on a gauze or tea bag for 15 minutes
If bleeding continues or is not controlled, call our office immediately