Post Surgery Instructions

It is very important that you understand all the instructions below regarding your child’s dental surgery.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.

Activity

  • Anesthesia and pain medicines can make your child dizzy and sleepy. He/she must be closely monitored by a responsible adult for at least twenty-four hours to prevent injuries. 
  • It is important that you limit their activities for the next twenty-four hours.
  • No running, jumping, climbing, or other active play.
  • Encourage quiet play. For example, video games, television, board games, and coloring books.

Diet

  • Make sure your child drinks lots of fluids. Water is best.
  • Offer soft foods for the next two days. Foods such as yogurt, bananas, pudding, eggs, and applesauce.
  • Do not give anything that is sticky, crunchy or hard to chew for at least two days.
  • If your child vomits after eating (throws up), stop offering solid food for a few hours and only offer liquids.

Care of teeth

  • If your child has had extractions (teeth pulled), follow instructions below.
  • You may begin brushing your child’s teeth with a new, soft toothbrush today. Gently rinse teeth afterwards.

Extractions

  • If your child has had any teeth pulled, do not use straws, sippy cups, bottles, or pacifiers for at least two days.
  • Do not brush the teeth next to the extraction site for the first twenty-four hours.
  • Bleeding after extractions is normal for several days. If you believe it is excessive, please call the dental office.

Pain control

  • Your child may have some pain after dental surgery. You may give acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol) or      ibuprofen (Children’s Motrin/Advil) according to the label directions.
  • Your dentist may have written a prescription for pain medicine. Please use only as directed.
  • If pain is severe or medication is not relieving the pain, please call the dental office.

Appointment

  • Please call your dental office to schedule an appointment within two weeks of your child’s surgery.
  • Please notify your dental office if unable to keep the scheduled appointment.

When to call for medical advice

  • If your child has any of the following, call his/her physician or go to your local Emergency Room:
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting (throwing up, can’t keep liquids down)
  • Fever over 100 degrees or any fever with chills
  • Extreme swelling (face or body)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Uncontrolled or severe pain