After Children’s Oral Surgery

FREEZING

After freezing of upper teeth your child’s teeth, gums, cheeks and lips will be numb for 1-2 hours after treatment. With lower teeth, the teeth, tongue, cheeks and lips will be numb for 2-4 hours. It is important that you watch your child closely during this time so that they do not chew or repetitively bite their cheek, lips, or tongue.

BLEEDING

Some bleeding is to be expected after surgery, even if the surgeon has placed sutures. Slight oozing can continue for a day or two and is quite normal. Once you arrive home, if there is still some bleeding, place a fresh moist gauze onto the site (usually a tooth socket) and have them bite down gently and firmly for 15-30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. Avoid drinking through a straw for the first two days since this can cause bleeding.

DIET

Maintain a soft diet for the first few days after surgery. Popsicles or frozen fruit bars can help reduce pain and/or swelling. Fluids are the best choice while your child’s mouth is still frozen.

PAIN

For most children we will recommend over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Advil, or perhaps Tylenol #1 from your pharmacist. The first dose can be taken when you arrive home and should be offered as indicated on the bottle, usually every 4-6 hours.

NAUSEA

Nausea and vomiting can occur following sedation or general anesthesia. If this occurs, slow sips of ginger-ale, 7-up or apple juice often helps. Children’s Gravol can also be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription.

MOUTH CARE

It is very important that your child not forcefully rince their mouth for two days, since this can cause bleeding. Normal drinking is fine during this time. After the first day you can start gentle rinses of the surgical area using slightly salty warm water (1/2 tsp. salt in a tall glass of water). Continue this for approximately one week. Your child can begin brushing their teeth the day after surgery, avoiding the surgical sites and/or any sutures. Depending upon your child’s age a parent may wish to brush their teeth for the first few days.

SUTURES

Your child’s sutures will be the dissolving type and will rinse/fall out on their own in 3-10 days.

FOLLOW UP

Your child’s recovery will be followed up by either a phone call from our office or with a return appointment with their surgeon. Your nurse will inform you before you leave our office.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call our office. After office hours our answering service will reach the doctor on call.