Post Treatment Care

Your child has received a local anesthetic for his/her fillings. The residual numbness will be present for two to three hours after the appointment. To prevent him/her from causing injury to their lips we suggest the following:

Eating/Drinking
Wait for the numbness to wear off before eating. The child may have food that does not have to be chewed (i.e. soup). The fillings need time to completely set so a soft diet is recommended for 24 hours.

Observe
Watch and remind him/her not to scratch or play with their lip while it is still numb.

Activity
Normal activity after the appointment is O.K.

Discomfort
Some children do experience some pain as the local anesthetic is wearing off. It is advisable to give your child a Tylenol type product before the anesthetic wears off.

Bleeding
Be sure the gauge pad is folded so that the pressure is directed specifically to the extraction site. Gauze pressure in the area should stop any bleeding. If the bleeding has not stopped within 30-45 minutes after leaving the office, have the patient bite on a damp tea bag for approximately 30 minutes. The bleeding should be stopped by that time, if not contact the office.

Discomfort
Pain following an extraction can managed with a Tylenol type of product. Do not use aspirin because it is a blood thinning product.

Activity
Have the patient relax for about 3-4 hours after the extraction appointment. Avoid situations where trauma could be a problem. Avoid swimming pools for at least 24 hours because of bacteria in the water.

Eating/Drinking
Soft diet for the first 24 hours. This could be scrambled eggs, macaroni and cheese, or other bland foods. Avoid spicy, crunchy foods and foods that require considerable biting (sandwiches, bagels, etc.) for 48 hours. Those foods can be chewed on the opposite side of the extraction after 24 hours. Avoid drinking from a straw, expectorating or swishing anything in the mouth for 24 hours.

“Stitches”
If stitches (sutures) are placed, they will re-absorb on their own within 5-7 days after the appointment. No follow-up appointment is needed, unless you suspect anything unusual.