At Smiling with Love Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Luis Arango and our dedicated team are committed to providing your child with the best possible care before, during and after their dental procedures. Following are post-operative care instructions for various treatments including dental crowns, dental fillings, tooth extractions and dental sealants. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and speedy recovery for your child.
Dental Crowns Aftercare:
- Diet: Avoid sticky and hard foods for 24 hours. Encourage soft foods and liquids initially.
- Oral Hygiene: Continue regular brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the new crown.
- Discomfort: Some sensitivity or discomfort is normal. If needed, use children’s pain relief medication as directed.
- Follow-up: Attend any recommended follow-up appointments to check the placement and fit of the crown.
Dental Fillings Aftercare:
- Numbness: The mouth may remain numb for a few hours. Ensure your child avoids biting their cheek or tongue.
- Eating and Drinking: Start with soft foods and gradually return to a normal diet as comfort allows.
- Oral Hygiene: Resume regular brushing and flossing, taking care not to put too much pressure on the new filling.
- Discomfort: Mild sensitivity to hot or cold is normal. Use children’s pain relief medication if necessary.
Tooth Extractions Aftercare:
- Bleeding: Gauze will be placed over the extraction site. Keep it in place with gentle pressure for about 30 minutes.
- Rest: Encourage your child to rest and avoid vigorous physical activity for the rest of the day.
- Swelling and Pain: Apply a cold compress to the cheek in intervals (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to reduce swelling. Use pain relief medication as prescribed.
- Diet: Provide soft foods for the first 24 hours. Avoid using straws and hot liquids.
- Oral Hygiene: Avoid rinsing the mouth for the first 24 hours. After that, gently rinse with warm salt water.
Dental Sealants Aftercare:
- Eating and Drinking: Your child can eat and drink immediately after the procedure.
- Chewing: Avoid chewing on hard, sticky or chewy foods for a few days to allow the sealant to set completely.
- Oral Hygiene: Continue regular brushing and flossing. Sealants do not replace good oral hygiene.
- Follow-up: Regular dental checkups are important to assess the condition of the sealants and reapply if necessary.
Note: If your child experiences excessive pain, bleeding that does not subside or any unusual symptoms following any dental procedure, please contact our office immediately at 757-296-0570.
Remember, proper care after dental treatments is crucial for healing and the long-term success of the procedure. Our pediatric dentist and team in Virginia Beach, Virginia, are here to support your child’s dental health every step of the way.