Instructions Following Pediatric Dental Procedures

Instructions Following a Prophy (Cleaning). Your child may experience some tenderness for a day or two. If this persists, you may have them rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times daily. For discomfort you may also give your child Children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child.

Instructions Following Fluoride Treatment. Patients should not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes to maximize the fluoride’s direct contact with the teeth.

Instructions Following Sealant Treatment. Your child may notice that the tooth feels different because of the new sealant. The teeth and bite will feel normal again in a couple of days. Your child should avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods for 24 hours following the placement of the sealant.

Instructions Following Anesthesia. Monitor your child closely for approximately two hours following the appointment. It is often wise to keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off. Remind your child to avoid touching, biting, sucking, or playing with the numb area.

Instructions Following Restorative Treatment (Filling or Crown). Make certain that your child is not eating or chewing while numb. Please ensure they do not bite their cheeks, lips, or tongue, as doing so can cause injury to the soft tissue. Your child should avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods for 24 hours. If your child experiences sensitivity or discomfort, you may give your child Children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child.

Instructions Following Pulp Treatment (Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy/Baby Root Canal). If your child is experiencing sensitivity after this treatment, you may give your child Children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child. If sensitivity or discomfort continues for more than 24 hours, please get in touch with our office.

Instructions Following an Extraction. Please instruct your child not to rinse, spit, or drink through a straw. Have them keep their fingers and tongue away from the area. If unusual or sustained bleeding occurs, place slightly moistened cotton gauze firmly over the extraction area, and bite down or hold in place for thirty minutes. Repeat every thirty minutes until the area is no longer bleeding. Maintain a soft diet for a day or two until the child feels comfortable eating normally again. Avoid strenuous exercise and physical activity for the rest of the day after the extraction. For discomfort, use Children’s Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child. If sensitivity or discomfort continues for more than 24 hours, please get in touch with our office.