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 Thank
you for having the confidence in us to take care of you child's dental
care needs. The following are some hints on post-operative care.
ANESTHESIA
(Lidocaine)
Your child may have had anesthetic during their care which will wear off
within 1-2 hours. Be sure they do not chew on their lip or cheek because
the lack of feeling can result in a very sore child. When the numbness
dissipates there may be an "itchy" feeling and your child may scratch
their face. Be sure to prevent this from happening. Your child should
not eat until the numbness wears off. Drinking milkshakes or any liquid
is fine. You may give your child Tylenol or Motrin for pain.
COMPOSITE
RESTORATIONS (white fillings)
With the advent of the use of composite restorations, please be aware
that there may be some sensitivity to cold, hot, and chewing for 1-2
weeks after placement. This is because the material used causes a bit
more sensitivity than regular amalgam ( silver fillings). This usually
goes away but occasionally the restoration requires "smoothing" if the
sensitivity continues.
EXTRACTIONS
Be sure to have your child bite on the gauze for approximately 1 hour
after any extractions. Most bleeding will stop, but it could bleed a bit
for the remainder of the day. If your child experiences pain, Tylenol or
Motrin is acceptable. Aspirin products should be avoided because aspirin
stimulates bleeding. Have your child eat soft foods (i.e., ice cream,
yogurt, apple sauce) for the remainder of the day. Normal eating habits
can resume the next day.
POST OPERATIVE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION PATIENTS
Nitrous oxide sedation is very safe and effective. The effects
dissipate within 10 minutes after administration of nitrous is
terminated and oxygen is administered to flush out any remaining nitrous
oxide. They may be a bit tired and the Novocain will still be in effect
so be sure you give your child some quiet time for the next hour or so.
Drinking milkshakes or any liquid should be fine. Solid foods should be
eaten only when all numbness from Novocain is gone (usually within 1-2
hours).
PULPOTOMIES
This procedure is performed
to remove the top part of the nerve of a primary molar when decay is
extensive. Medication is placed to "mummify" the infected tissue. While
this procedure is usually successful, a percentage will fail if bacteria
has penetrated the root and multiplies. Since root canal treatment is
not performed for primary molars, Dr. Solow will monitor the treatment
success at future checkups.
STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS
If decay is extensive in a
primary tooth, a stainless steel crown is placed to prevent the
breakdown of the tooth to assure its lasting until normal exfoliation.
They are performed with the same reasoning that one would place a
porcelain/gold crown on a permanent tooth to prevent breakdown and tooth
loss. The gum tissue will be a bit sore for about 1 week until the
tissue heals. Flossing would be helpful starting 1 week after placement
to assure healthy gum tissue.
SEALANTS
Sealants are clear, bonded
coatings that are placed over the grooves of the back teeth to prevent
germs from entering the teeth and causing decay. They are painless to
apply and only require your child to sit still during application so
that the teeth remain dry. The sealants last at least 3-5 years and can
be reapplied. They will remain in place if your child avoids sticky
things such as gum, taffies, gummy bears etc.
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