Postoperative Dental Care Instructions – COPPELL, TX

Dental Sealants

To ensure a sealant lasts as long as possible, please help your child perform the following instructions:

• Avoid chewing ice cubes as these can cause a sealant to chip.
• Avoid hard, sticky or chew candy – this includes caramel, Jolly Ranchers, and Fruit-Rollups. However, sugar-free chewing is okay to have.

While a sealant will protect the chewing surface of the tooth, sufficient brushing and flossing is necessary to protect the sides of teeth.

Our pediatric dental team can guarantee sealants for up to two (2) years after they are initially applied, given that the patient is up to date on their six (6) month checkup-ups. Each examination performed by Dr. Rozas includes an examination of the sealant. If the sealant comes off before the end of the two (2) year period, we are happy to reapply the new sealant at no additional charge.

Local Anesthetic

The numb feeling that occurs can last for two to four hours after treatment and affects the cheeks, lips and tongue. For a child, this might be a curious or confusing sensation, but it is especially important that they do not bite, suck or chew their lips, tongue or cheek. Self-inflicted bites tend to look bad, but they rarely become infected. Keep your child on a liquid diet until the anesthetic has completely worn off. As the numbness or “bubbling sensation” wears off, there is also a 10 to 15 minute transitional period of increased tingling. This can trigger a “panic” reaction in young children. Start by reassuring them that the tingling sensation will go away soon. If necessary, you can give them Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Motrin, making sure to follow the directions as listed on the package.

Tooth Extractions

Following a tooth extraction, there are certain aftercare instructions that are imperative to follow to ensure a healthy outcome. To avoid complications, maximize comfort, and make your child’s recovery as smooth as possible, take note of the following tips below.

• Do not give your child any carbonated beverages, hot foods or drinks, or snack chips for the next 24 hours. They should not be drinking through a straw for at least 24 hours after a tooth is removed. No vigorous rinsing for 24 hours either.
• Have your child bite on a sterile gauze pad using light pressure over the next few minutes to control minimal bleeding.
• Apply an ice pack to the area (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off) for one (1) hour. This will reduce minor swelling and pain if it occurs.
• Give them Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Motrin liquid or pills for discomfort as the package directs. Avoid chewable forms.