PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW TO ASSURE THE BEST RESULTS FROM DENTAL TREATMENT
ORAL HYGIENE
All restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.) must be kept very clean. As always, we recommend brushing two times per day and flossing at bedtime (unless otherwise instructed).
LOCAL ANESTHESIA (FREEZING)
If your child had freezing for their dental appointment, he/she must be cautious when eating until the anaesthetic wears off (up to 3 hours). Soft, temperate foods that require little chewing are best. Watch your child carefully to make sure they do not bite their lip, cheek or tongue during this “numb” period. If this occurs, your child may experience swelling and discomfort.
NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS) and/or a LIGHT SEDATIVE
Your child may have been given nitrous oxide and/or light medication to help relax them so dental treatment could be performed. Children who receive nitrous oxide only will have no lasting side effects from the gas. When your child’s dental treatment was near completion, they were given 100% oxygen to clear the nitrous oxide from their body.
If your child took medication by mouth to relax them, they need to be watched for the rest of the day. Do not plan or permit activities after treatment. Allow your child to rest. Common side effects include irritability, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting.
STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS (SILVER CAPS)
Stainless steel crowns may cause the tooth or gum tissue around the tooth to be sensitive for several days after treatment. Keep in mind that the cement used to hold the new stainless steel crown to the tooth will have set by the time your child's regular nighttime brushing and flossing arrives. The teeth should be kept clean with routine brushing and flossing. Warm salt water rinses (1/4 tsp salt in an 8 ounce glass of warm water) may be necessary for some children in the first few days following the placement of a stainless steel crown if their gums are sensitive. This solution should not be swallowed, so only introduce this if absolutely necessary. Stainless steel crowns are placed with a strong cement, but your child should not eat anything sticky (gum, toffee, fruit roll-ups, fruit snacks, etc.) since these may stick to the crown and loosen or pull it off.
If the crown comes off, save it and bring it with you to have it re-cemented in your child’s mouth. Call our office immediately at 705-726-0433 for an appointment.
STRIP CROWNS (WHITE CAPS FOR FRONT TEETH)
Strip crowns are strong, but not as strong as your child’s natural teeth. For this reason, your child should not bite into any food that must be “snapped off” with the front teeth (apples, carrots, etc.) If a crown does break or come off, call our office immediately at 705-726-0433 to schedule an appointment to evaluate the tooth.
EXTRACTIONS
If your child had a tooth extracted, you were given a package containing sterile guaze at the end of the appointment. If you find that the area where the tooth was extracted from is still bleeding when you arrive home, moisten a piece of the guaze, roll it into a "pillow" and have your child bite down on it for about 10 minutes to apply pressure to the area and stop any remaining bleeding. Have your child stick to a soft, temperate, nutrious diet for the next day or so. Food with small husks (popcorn), sharp edges or that are spicy or acidic are not recommended. The use of straws or drinks that are carbonated should also be avoided as they can disrupt a clot or prevent one from forming.
PAIN CONTROL
If your child complains of pain or discomfort after their dental treatment, we recommend he/she take the appropriate child’s dose of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). Remember, it may take an hour or so to take effect. Aspirin should NOT be given. If pain persists, contact our office at 705-726-0433.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact our office at 705-726-0433. After hours, please contact the office for emergency contact information or call 705-734-8216.