Post-Op Care

Care of the Mouth After Local Anesthetic (Numbing)

Children are curious by nature, so when they tongue and lips feel funny after getting local anesthetic, they will want to chew on, touch, or play with the numbed area. This needs to be discouraged since it can irritate the area, extend the healing time, and even cause swelling and trauma. A damaging bite can occur in seconds, so you must closely observe your child until the effects wear off. Stick to liquids until sensation returns to normal.

If your child does bite his or her lip, cheek, or tongue…

First, do not panic; most of these injuries will heal on their own, without the need for attention from the office. It may take up to two weeks for healing to be complete. Reduce swelling by applying a cold compress (avoid heat). If there is bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If there is still bleeding after 20 minutes and your child does not have a bleeding disorder, call us or visit your local urgent care/emergency center.

Oral Care After Trauma

Should your child suffer trauma to the teeth, mouth, or jaw, you must keep the area as clean as possible to reduce the chance of infection. A cold compress can be used to treat swelling and reduce discomfort. Monitor the teeth for darkening as this can indicate that the nerve is dying, and in addition to being a problem on its down, infection often follows. To monitor for infection, look for a bubble on the gums above or below the tooth that was injured. If you notice any of these issues, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Oral Care After Tooth Removal

Should your child need to have a tooth extracted, a numbing agent will be used, leaving the spot numb for a period of time after the procedure has been completed. Before the numbing agent wears off, it is a good idea to administer a pain reliever—such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen—to avoid any unneeded discomfort. To prevent continued bleeding, try to stop your child from spitting or sucking excessively.

For two weeks after, brushing must be done carefully. Please understand that occasional bleeding is normal.

For any other concerns or questions, please contact our office.