Whether a small filling or a more complex treatment, we’ll walk you through the steps to manage your child’s post-op care. This way, you can focus on your little one’s comfort and well-being while feeling confident.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure is complete, your child might still feel numb from the local anesthetic, and that’s perfectly normal. The numbness typically lasts 1-2 hours before wearing off. During this time, encourage them not to bite their lips, cheeks, or tongue (we know this can be tricky, but distracting them with a fun activity can help!).
If they had sedation for their appointment, you might also notice sleepiness or grogginess for the remainder of the day. This is expected and usually fades as their body processes the medication. Ensure they get plenty of rest and avoid physical activities or playtime until they completely recover.
For parents, what is our biggest piece of advice? Stay calm and positive! Kids pick up on your energy, and your comfort and confidence will reassure them that everything is okay.
Tips for Managing Discomfort
It’s completely normal to experience mild discomfort after certain dental treatments, like extractions or fillings. If your child mentions tenderness or soreness in their gums, a simple dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (as recommended on the bottle for their age) can help ease the pain. Always follow dosage instructions carefully, and feel free to call us if you are unsure what’s safe to give them.
A cold compress outside their cheek can do wonders for swelling or puffy gums. Using the compress for 10-15 minutes can make your little one more comfortable.
Remember, every child is different, so you should follow what feels right for your kid. If they seem like themselves and want to play, that’s great! But don’t worry if they want to rest a little longer than usual after their treatment.
Eating and Drinking After Treatment
Getting back to their regular diet may take adjusting. After their procedure, we recommend soft, easy-to-eat foods that don’t require much chewing. Some great options include applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or smoothies. Just be careful to avoid foods that are too hot, as your child might not realize how sensitive their mouth is while it’s still healing.
Avoid sticky candies, crunchy snacks, or anything that might irritate or dislodge the treated area for a few days. Drinking plenty of water is also crucial for hydration—it helps keep their teeth clean, too!
Oral Care Following Treatment
Keeping up with good oral hygiene during recovery is a must! However, it’s essential to be gentle around the treated area to avoid irritation. In most cases, your child can resume brushing their teeth the same day, but remind them to brush lightly and avoid touching the affected spot directly.
If your child has had an extraction, we’ll provide specific instructions for caring for the area. We recommend avoiding rinsing vigorously or spitting for at least 24 hours to allow the extraction site to heal properly. After that, a warm saltwater rinse (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can help soothe the gums and promote healing.
Your child’s smile is already returning to feeling normal, and good oral care will help speed that process along.
Post-Op Information in Bellevue
If you need more Post-Op information in Bellevue or have questions about your child’s specific procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. At Bellevue Kids Dentist in Bellevue, we genuinely believe in partnering with parents to keep every kid’s smile bright and healthy. We’re here to make dental care stress-free for both you and your little one! Contact us today!
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s dental health. Dr. Sapna Saini, Dr. Jenny Lee, and Dr. Ashley Huynh are here for you whenever you need us! We offer Infant Dental Care, Orthodontics, Special Needs Dentistry, and more!