Going Home
We want to ensure your child receives the best care from start to finish. Below are the post-operative discharge instructions. Following these carefully will help your child recover quickly and without complications. You will also receive a copy of these instructions when you check out.
Diet
- Immediately After Surgery:
- Start with clear liquids (water or diluted juice). If your child does not experience nausea or vomiting, you can offer soft, bland foods like applesauce, noodles, pancakes, plain pasta, French toast, or scrambled eggs. Avoid dairy for 24 hours.
- If local anesthesia was used, do not give your child anything to chew until they can feel their cheeks and tongue (usually 2-3 hours) to prevent accidental biting.
- 24-48 Hours:
- Gradually resume a normal diet as tolerated. Encourage fluid intake and soft foods if needed.
- 48-72 Hours:
- Continue with softer foods if your child still feels tender or uncomfortable.
Activity
- For the next 24 hours, keep activities quiet. Avoid bike riding, scooters, riding toys, swings, climbing, running, jumping, trampolines, and swimming.
- To prevent injuries or falls, do not leave your child unattended for 24 hours. Assist them with bathroom trips, stairs, and walking.
Bleeding
- Nosebleeds are common after surgery. Do not let your child blow their nose, as this may dislodge clots. If a nosebleed occurs, pinch the end of their nose with a tissue until the bleeding stops, keeping their head slightly forward.
- Some bleeding from teeth or gums, especially around crowns or extraction sites, is normal. Have your child bite on gauze or rolled paper towels to slow the bleeding.
Pain
- Your child may experience discomfort. Alternate Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil) every 4-6 hours as needed.
- Your discharge instructions will specify when to give the next dose of Tylenol or Advil.
- A sore, scratchy throat from the breathing tube is common. Cool fluids, ice packs, ice pops, and Motrin can help.
Swelling
- First 24 Hours: Swelling of the lips and cheeks is common. It may increase for up to 24 hours.
- 24-48 Hours: Swelling should start to go down. Elevate your child’s head or have them sit upright. Apply ice packs to the jaw and cheeks for 30 minutes on, 15 minutes off, as needed.
- After 48 Hours: Swelling should improve. If it gets worse or your child is in pain, contact your dentist.
When to Call for Medical Advice
Contact your child’s physician or go to the emergency room if they experience:
- Persistent nausea or more than two episodes of vomiting.
- Extreme or unusual pain despite using Tylenol and Advil.
- Swelling of the face, jaw, lips, or eyes that worsens.
- Fever over 38°C despite giving Tylenol/Advil.
- Any difficulty breathing or a worsening “croupy” cough.
Extractions
- Dentists may use dissolvable Gelfoam to help clotting. Do not remove it.
- No straws, bottles, or breastfeeding for 24 hours to avoid dry socket.
- Do not brush around the extraction site or use mouthwash for 24 hours.
- Avoid Orajel or similar products.
- After 24 hours, use warm salt water rinses to keep the area clean.
Crowns
- Avoid sticky, gummy, hard foods, candies, or vitamins until the crowned baby tooth falls out.
- Gums will be tender; use a soft washcloth or toothbrush to clean gently.
- Treat the crowned tooth like a normal baby tooth (floss and brush normally).
Spacers
- Avoid sticky, gummy, hard foods, candies, or vitamins.
- Your child will need to return to the office for removal, which will be discussed at the follow-up visit.
When to Call Your Dentist
Contact your dentist if your child experiences:
- Extreme or unusual pain despite using Tylenol and Advil.
- Swelling of the face, jaw, or lips that worsens after 48 hours.
- Persistent fever above 38°C despite using Tylenol and Advil.
Follow-Up
- The surgery centre will call you 24-48 hours after the procedure (excluding weekends) to check on your child.
- For specific dental care concerns, contact your child’s dental office.
- For questions about anesthesia or post-operative care, contact the surgery center to speak with a nurse.
We look forward to providing excellent care for your child and ensuring a smooth recovery!