CARE OF THE MOUTH AFTER PEDIATRIC EXTRACTIONS

ABOUT THE PROCEDURE
While baby teeth seem unnecessary since the child will eventually lose them, these teeth are integral to the growth of adult teeth. Baby teeth guide adult teeth out of the gums, ensuring enough room for the adult teeth to grow into. Unfortunately, sometimes the dentist will have no choice but to pull baby teeth.

To preserve your child’s oral health, your dentist formulated a treatment plan to extract the baby teeth. When decay is advanced it can cause gum issues or pain for your child with a tooth extraction as the best treatment option. Other reasons for extractions within children is for a baby tooth that is out of position which can prevent the adult tooth underneath from emerging normally. In some circumstances, the dentist will fill the gap of the extracted baby tooth with a prosthetic. This maintains the correct spacing within the child’s mouth as adult teeth come in.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Common concerns after a tooth extraction include numbness, bleeding and oozing, sore gums, thermal sensitivity, muscle tightness and tenderness, and swelling. To mitigate the child’s discomfort and to promote a speedy recovery, please carefully follow our instructions and recommendations.

Numbness can take 1-4 hours to wear off. While the sensation of being numb after the appointment is typical it is also the most challenging aspect for a child to understand so monitor the child closely.

To prevent injury while the child is still numb:

  • Do not allow them to chew or suck the lips, tongue, or cheek
  • A soft food diet is recommended. Avoid foods that involve chewing.
    • Examples of safe and soft foods for your child to consume, while numb, includes smoothies, milk shakes, yogurt, applesauce, and mac and cheese, etc.
  • Resume normal diet when numbness has ceased, about 1-4 hours after the appointment however, to limit irritation to the extraction site avoid:
    • Salty, spicy, acidic, and crunchy foods for the first 24 hours
    • Hot or cold beverages and foods to avoid thermal sensitivity

Bleeding and oozing is normal and expected after the procedure. Please note that the gauze placed in your child’s mouth at the office will be soiled. This does not mean that your child is still bleeding. Often the blood clot forming at the extraction site will mix with saliva and appear as excessive bleeding.

Remove the gauze pack provided at the dentist 45 minutes after the appointment. If bleeding continues:

  • Fold a piece of gauze into a thick pad and dapen with warm water.
  • Place the gauze on the tooth extraction site.
  • Have the child bite down with gentle pressure for about 30 minutes. the gauze provided. It may take up to 30 minutes to control the bleeding.

Forming a blood clot is imperative for the healing process at the extraction site. To protect the blood clot avoid:

  • Excessive spitting, sippy cups, bottles, straws, and pacifiers for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Sucking action may prolong the bleeding.
  • Strenuous activity for at least 24 hours as this may increase bleeding from the extraction site.

Swelling may occur after the extraction.

  • Soothe the site with a cold compress. Rotate on and off intervals of 15-20 minutes for as long as needed.

Soreness in the gums may create discomfort for the child.

  • Treat with children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed

Muscle tightness and tenderness may be experienced following operative procedures for 1-5 days .

  • Use Children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed

POST-OP CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

Careful cleaning is required after an extraction to prevent damage to the clot development and to prevent future oral hygiene concerns.

  • Avoid cleaning the teeth near the extraction area for the next 24 hours after the procedure.
  • Continue brushing and flossing other teeth as usual.
  • The day after the procedure the child can begin normal teeth cleaning around the extraction site. In addition to cleaning, gently rinse their mouth with warm, salted water rinses to prevent infection and promote healing.
    • 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water

LONG TERM CARE RECOMMENDATIONS

Avoid:

  • Sticky and hard candies or chewing on ice to prevent the filling from breaking.
  • Using the front teeth to bite directly into hard food like apples, carrots, and corn on the cob

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

  • If bleeding continues after replacing gauze or is not controlled, call our office immediately.
  • If the child experiences persistent pain that lasts over 24 hours and the doctor has not advised you to expect this extended discomfort
  • If swelling is severe and is not relieved by cold compresses or medication

Your child’s oral hygiene care is important to us at Fairbanks Family Dental Care. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns regarding your child’s continued care and health.

Fairbanks Family Dental Care
360A Old Chena Pump Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 921-8888
fairbanksdentalcare@gmail.com
Fairbanksfamilydentalcare.com