It is normal to have swelling (especially after maxillary/lip revisions) that is most pronounced 24-72 hours post-op. After 72 hours the swelling should noticeably improve. Try to keep children’s hands/fingers away (as best you can) from the revision sites especially while anesthetized (typically for an hour post-op in those 6 months and older).
Care After Dental Treatments
Postprocedure Care is Very Important
Local Anesthetic
It is very important that you watch your child closely, in order to monitor accidental biting of the numb lip, tongue or cheek. Should your child inadvertently bite his or her lip, keep the area clean. Saltwater rinses, cool compresses, popsicles and ice cream, as well as children’s ibuprofen, may help. It will take a few days, but the bite will heal. Swelling is normal and will subside with proper care. Antibiotics are not necessary if the swelling is localized to the area of the injury.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Placement of a stainless steel crown can be followed by some slight bleeding and irritation around the gums. Often, this is caused by the process by which the tooth is prepared for acceptance of the crown. The healing process will take only a few days if the tooth and mouth are kept clean with proper brushing and flossing. However, your child should be careful not to chew hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the crown. Brushing and rinsing with salt water may help speed healing.
Composite Fillings
If your child experiences sensitivity to heat and cold, pain when chewing or spontaneous pain, please call our office for an appointment.
Extractions
If there is slight bleeding from the extraction site, have your child bite down on a clean, moist piece of gauze for three to five minutes. Moisten the gauze with cold water, but squeeze out most of the water. Should the bleeding persist uncontrollably, call us so we can advise you. For a day following the procedure, minimize sucking through a straw or spitting; since that could aggravate bleeding. He or she should avoid chewing crunchy foods for a few days. Keep the site clean by brushing very gently around the area twice a day. Gently rinsing with warm salt water may help speed the healing process. Use ibuprofen as directed for any pain.
Pulpotomy (Nerve Treatment)
Sealants
Please contact our office if your child has swelling, a fever above 101°F or any other urgent symptoms that concern you, please call our office immediately or take your child to the closest urgent-care center or hospital emergency room.
Frenectomies (Tongue and Lip Tie Revisions)
Post-Operative Swelling
Post-Operative Frenectomy Stretching Guidelines
Upper Lip Stretches
Tongue Stretches
Still Have Some Questions?
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