Post-Treatment Instructions
NUMBNESS
One of the most common complications following dental treatment in children—especially younger children—is related to numbness from local anesthesia. With proper supervision, most of these issues can be prevented.
1.Lip or Cheek Biting
While numb, your child cannot feel pain in the lips, cheeks, or tongue and may accidentally bite these areas. This can occur quickly, so close supervision is important.
- Do not allow your child to eat foods that require chewing until the numbness has worn off.
- Watch for signs of chewing or biting and gently remind your child to stop (you may use cues such as asking them to do a “blowfish” face).
- Numbness typically lasts 1–2 hours, though this varies by child. A common sign that sensation is returning is an “itchy” feeling.
If biting occurs:
- Swelling may develop quickly. Later in the day or the following day, the area may appear white and swollen. This is a normal response to soft tissue trauma and is often mistaken for infection or an allergic reaction.
- The area will heal naturally over time.
- You may give your child Motrin or Tylenol as needed for discomfort.
- Topical products such as Canker-Rid may help promote healing.
2. Discomfort from the Sensation of Numbness
Some children dislike the feeling of numbness and may interpret it as pain. This is normal, especially if it is their first experience.
- Reassure your child: “It feels different because your tooth is asleep, but it will go away when it wakes up.”
- Cold items (e.g., smoothies, popsicles, ice cream) may be soothing. Avoid hot foods or drinks, as your child may not sense temperature properly.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (Motrin or Tylenol) may help ease discomfort.
- Encouraging rest or a nap can also be helpful.
FILLINGS
- If your child received fillings on primary (baby) teeth only and was not numbed, they may resume normal eating and drinking.
- If your child received a filling on a permanent (adult) tooth, they are likely numb. Please follow the numbness guidelines above.
- For deep fillings, the following may occur:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold for up to 3 months, which should gradually improve.
- Although the decay did not reach the nerve, it may have caused irritation. Most teeth recover fully, but in some cases the nerve may not heal.
- Pain that keeps your child awake at night
- A pimple or swelling on the gums near the tooth
- Increasing sensitivity to hot or cold lasting beyond 3 months
STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS (SSC)
In addition to numbness, it is common for children to feel that their bite is “different” after crown placement. This is normal.
- Stainless steel crowns are preformed and adjusted to best fit your child’s tooth. They will naturally adapt to your child’s bite over the next week.
- The edges of the crown extend slightly under the gum line, so maintaining good oral hygiene is important for healing.
- You may notice minor gum irritation, especially on the cheek side. With proper brushing, this should improve within 2–3 days.
EXTRACTIONS
1. Loose Baby Teeth Extractions
- Typically performed with topical anesthetic only, resulting in little to no numbness.
- Bleeding is usually minimal. Have your child bite on gauze for 10–15 minutes after treatment.
- Mild discomfort may occur; Motrin or Tylenol may be used if needed.
2. Other Extractions
- In addition to numbness, mild to moderate soreness is expected. Motrin is generally recommended due to its longer-lasting effect.
- Some bleeding or oozing is normal and may continue for up to 12 hours.
- Avoid changing gauze too frequently, as this may dislodge the blood clot.
- Avoid straws, spitting, or suction motions for 2–3 days unless otherwise directed.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s condition, please call our office at 303-543-8338. After hours, please leave a message, and we will return your call as soon as possible.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
NUMBNESS
One of the most common complications following dental treatment in children—especially younger children—is related to numbness from local anesthesia. With proper supervision, most of these issues can be prevented.
1. Lip or Cheek Biting
While numb, your child cannot feel pain in the lips, cheeks, or tongue and may accidentally bite these areas. This can occur quickly, so close supervision is important.
- Do not allow your child to eat foods that require chewing until the numbness has worn off.
- Watch for signs of chewing or biting and gently remind your child to stop (you may use cues such as asking them to do a “blowfish” face).
- Numbness typically lasts 1–2 hours, though this varies by child. A common sign that sensation is returning is an “itchy” feeling.
If biting occurs:
- Swelling may develop quickly. Later in the day or the following day, the area may appear white and swollen. This is a normal response to soft tissue trauma and is often mistaken for infection or an allergic reaction.
- The area will heal naturally over time.
- You may give your child Motrin or Tylenol as needed for discomfort.
- Topical products such as Canker-Rid may help promote healing.
2. Discomfort from the Sensation of Numbness
Some children dislike the feeling of numbness and may interpret it as pain. This is normal, especially if it is their first experience.
- Reassure your child: “It feels different because your tooth is asleep, but it will go away when it wakes up.”
- Cold items (e.g., smoothies, popsicles, ice cream) may be soothing. Avoid hot foods or drinks, as your child may not sense temperature properly.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (Motrin or Tylenol) may help ease discomfort.
- Encouraging rest or a nap can also be helpful.
Tongue-tie release exercises
FILLINGS
- If your child received fillings on primary (baby) teeth only and was not numbed, they may resume normal eating and drinking.
- If your child received a filling on a permanent (adult) tooth, they are likely numb. Please follow the numbness guidelines above.
- For deep fillings, the following may occur:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold for up to 3 months, which should gradually improve.
- Although the decay did not reach the nerve, it may have caused irritation. Most teeth recover fully, but in some cases the nerve may not heal.
- Pain that keeps your child awake at night
- A pimple or swelling on the gums near the tooth
- Increasing sensitivity to hot or cold lasting beyond 3 months
STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS (SSC)
In addition to numbness, it is common for children to feel that their bite is “different” after crown placement. This is normal.
- Stainless steel crowns are preformed and adjusted to best fit your child’s tooth. They will naturally adapt to your child’s bite over the next week.
- The edges of the crown extend slightly under the gum line, so maintaining good oral hygiene is important for healing.
- You may notice minor gum irritation, especially on the cheek side. With proper brushing, this should improve within 2–3 days.
ADULT CROWNS (PERMANENT CROWNS)
1. Temporary Crown Phase (if applicable)
- If a temporary crown was placed, avoid sticky or hard foods (e.g., gum, caramel, nuts) that may dislodge it.
- If the temporary crown comes off, please contact our office. You may place it back temporarily using dental cement or toothpaste if needed.
- Mild sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal during this phase.
- Mild soreness of the tooth or surrounding gum tissue is normal for a few days.
- Some sensitivity to temperature or biting pressure may occur initially but should improve over time.
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours after cementation.
- If your bite feels uneven, high, or uncomfortable when chewing, please contact our office for an adjustment. An improper bite can lead to discomfort or jaw soreness.
- Brush and floss normally around the crown. Good hygiene is essential to maintain the health of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.
- Persistent pain or sensitivity beyond a few weeks
- Pain when biting that does not improve
- Swelling, gum irritation, or signs of infection
- Crown feels loose or comes off
EXTRACTIONS
1. Loose Baby Teeth Extractions
- Typically performed with topical anesthetic only, resulting in little to no numbness.
- Bleeding is usually minimal. Have your child bite on gauze for 10–15 minutes after treatment.
- Mild discomfort may occur; Motrin or Tylenol may be used if needed.
2. Other Extractions
- In addition to numbness, mild to moderate soreness is expected. Motrin is generally recommended due to its longer-lasting effect.
- Some bleeding or oozing is normal and may continue for up to 12 hours.
- Avoid changing gauze too frequently, as this may dislodge the blood clot.
- Avoid straws, spitting, or suction motions for 2–3 days unless otherwise directed.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s condition, please call our office at 303-543-8338. After hours, please leave a message, and we will return your call as soon as possible.