If your child has had local anesthetic for a dental procedure, and if the procedure was performed in the lower jaw, please note that the tongue, teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb, or asleep.
If the procedure is performed in the upper jaw, please note that the teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb, or asleep.
Often, children do not understand the effects 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 abrasions to the tissue.
Please 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.
Please do not hesitate to call our office at 1-702-220-9100, if you have any questions.
Care of the Mouth after Extractions
Generally, children are not bothered with the discomfort adults experience following a tooth extraction. Follow these instructions to minimize any problems.
1. Control Bleeding- apply steady pressure.
Use the gauze squares provided by rolling up one or two and placing them directly over the area where the tooth was taken out. Have your child bite on it for AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. (This will be done before you child is released from us.)
2. Quiet Activity - is advised for the remainder of the day.
3. No Rinsing or Tooth brushing - until the next day.
4. No Spicy, Crunchy or Hot Foods- for the remainder of the day. Instead, give Jell-O, warm soup, soft sandwiches, instant breakfast, eggs, etc.
Take Children’s Tylenol every 4-6 hours for pain or discomfort (as directed for the age of the child).
If AFTER following the above instructions, any of the following occurs, call the office 220-9100.
· uncontrolled facial swelling
· severe pains
· large amounts of bleeding not controlled by steady pressure
· fever within 12 hours following the extraction
Care of the Mouth after Fillings and Crowns
It's normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Your gums may be sore for several days. To reduce pain and swelling, rinse three times a day with warm salt water (mixing a tea spoon of salt in a cup of warm water and then rinse-swish-spit). Don't chew hard foods or chew directly on you new silver fillings or crowns for twenty-four hours. If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth. You may chew right away on white fillings since they set completely on the day of the appointment. If you bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any questions or concerns, please call our office 220-9100.
Care of Sealants
By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures, sealants keep out plaque and food, thus decreasing the risk of decay. Since, the covering is only over the biting surface of the tooth, areas on the side and between teeth cannot be coated with the sealant. Good oral hygiene and nutrition are still very important in preventing decay next to these sealants or in areas unable to be covered.
Your child should refrain from eating ice or hard candy, which tend to fracture the sealant. Regular dental appointments are recommended in order for your child's dentist to be certain the sealants remain in place.
The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. When properly applied and maintained, they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth. A total prevention program includes regular visits to the dentist, the use of fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and limiting the number of times sugar-rich foods are eaten. If these measures are followed and sealants are used on the child's teeth, the risk of decay can be reduced or may even be eliminated!
Oral Discomfort after a Cleaning
A thorough cleaning unavoidably produces some bleeding and swelling and may cause some tenderness or discomfort. This is not due to a "rough cleaning" but, to tender and inflamed gums from insufficient oral hygiene. We recommend the following for 2-3 days after cleaning was performed:
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.
Please do not hesitate to contact the office, 1-702-220-9100, if the discomfort persists for more than 7 days or if there are any questions.
Care of the Mouth after Trauma
Please keep the traumatized area as-clean-as possible. A soft wash cloth often works well during healing to aid the process. Watch for darkening of traumatized teeth. This could be an indication of a dying nerve (pulp). If the swelling should re-occur, our office needs to see the patient as-soon-as possible. Ice should be administered during the first 24 hours to keep the swelling to a minimum. Watch for infection (gum boils) in the area of trauma. If infection is noticed - call the office so the patient can be seen as-soon-as possible. Maintain a soft diet for two to three days, or until the child feels comfortable eating normally again. Avoid sweets or foods that are extremely hot or cold. If antibiotics or pain medicines are prescribed, be sure to follow the prescription as directed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Andre Michaelian, by filling out our Online Contact Form.
