Post Operative Instructions for Frenectomy
Frenectomies in our office are accomplished via electro cauterization. Because we use this technology post operative discomfort is minimal and requires no pain medication in most cases. If your child experiences discomfort, you may use Children's Tylenol (Do not use Motrin, Advil, Aspirin or Ibuprofen; as these products are blood thinners). For the first 24 hours please keep your child on a soft food diet. After the first 24 hours it is best to avoid spicy or hard food for the first week.
Rinse the area for a few days, after eating, with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water or hydrogen peroxide diluted 50% with water. You can also apply dental gel (which can be purchased in the office) with a q-tip to the affected area to accelerate healing. Complete healing usually take 5-7 days.
Limit activities which could result in the area being traumatized or hit for 5-7 days. Children can return to school the day after the treatment is completed. If any unusual bleeding or pain occurs please call the office as soon as possible.
Care of the Mouth after Local Anesthetic
Your child has had local anesthetic for their dental procedure:
- If the procedure was in the lower jaw, the tongue, teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep.
- If the procedure was in the upper jaw, the teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep.
Often, children do not understand the effects of local anesthesia, and may chew, scratch, suck or play with the numb lip, tongue or cheek. These actions can cause minor irritations or they can be severe enough to cause swelling and abrasions to the tissue. Please monitor your child closely for at least two hours following the appointment. It is recommended to keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off.
*****Please do not hesitate to call 303-627-8300 if there are any questions.
Extraction Post Operative Care
Your child has had one or more teeth “wiggled” out. Please follow the below directions and call our office with any questions or concerns. Your child’s cheek, lip and tongue will be numb for approximately 1-2 hours. Please be very careful that your child does not bite at his/her cheek or pick at this area. As this area “wakes up,” it may feel funny. A self-inflicted bite injury is the most common post-op complication. Please keep an eye on your child! If your child has bitten their cheek or tongue, please call our office right away as we may need to prescribe an antibiotic.
- The gauze needs to stay in place with biting pressure for 30 minutes. This will reduce the amount of bleeding
- Give your child the appropriate dose of children’s Tylenol when you take the gauze out (No aspirin or Advil). Your child should only need this for approximately 12-24 hours. If pain persists beyond 48 hours, please call our office.
- Your child should eat only soft food for the first couple days; nothing sharp or crunchy. Also avoid foods that are small so that they do not get stuck and cause an infection. Encourage plenty of liquids (water, soups, juices, etc.).
- NO spitting or drinking through a straw or “Sippy” cup. The force can start the bleeding again.
- A clean mouth heals faster. Gentle brushing around the extraction site can be started immediately along with warm salt water rinses (1/4 teaspoon to a glass of water) to aid with any discomfort.
- Activity may need to be limited. Sometimes a nap is a good idea.
- Swelling after an extraction is not uncommon and should not alarm you. If this occurs, apply an ice pack for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as needed in the 24 hours following tooth removal.
*****Please call our office at 303-627-8300 with any questions or concerns!!!
General Anesthesia Post – Operative Care
Your child’s mouth may be tender and sore for 24-48 hours after surgery.
- Stock up on clear foods and drinks such as broth, apple juice, popsicles and Jell-O.
- Your child’s appetite should return in 12-24 hours. When your child is ready, begin with foods that are bland, such as noodles and mashed potatoes.
- Plan quiet activities. Your child may be uncoordinated or confused up to 24 hours. Therefore it is advised to limit their activities during this brief time.
- Swelling after an extraction is not uncommon and should not alarm you. If this occurs, apply an ice pack for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as needed in the 24 hours following tooth removal.
- Your child’s cheek, lip and tongue will be numb for approximately 1-2 hours. Please be very careful that your child does not bite at his/her cheek or pick at this area. As this area “wakes up,” it may feel funny. A self-inflicted bite injury is the most common post-op complication. Please keep an eye on your child!
- Motrin may be given for discomfort; use at your discretion.
*****Please do not hesitate to call our office with any questions or concerns!
Emergencies
Toothache
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris.
DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. Call out office IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
Broken Brace and Wires
If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheeks or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances which do not bother the child don’t usually require emergency attention.
Possible Broken Jaw
If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief, then take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once. If bleeding persists, see a dentist.
Cold/Canker Sores
Many children occasionally suffer from “cold” or “canker” sores. Usually over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.
Broken Tooth
Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Please call our office immediately, as prompt dental attention is necessary.