After Visit Care
Post-Operative Instructions
Dr. Mori strives to offer the highest quality of dental care for all her patients. Below are the post-operative instructions she recommends to help make the recovery process as easy as possible. Of course, if you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office- 424.999.5478
FLOURIDE
We use fluoride varnish at our practice, and recommend to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes. Generally, it is okay for your child to have a few sips of water, but please make sure its not warm or hot, as it can dissolve the fluoride. We understand that the unique fluoride flavors is something your child may not “love”. Reassure them it is only temporary and let them know that fluoride is the “vitamin for their teeth”, and will help their teeth stay strong and healthy.
SILVER-DIAMOND FLUORIDE (SDF)
As effective as SDF is, it is important to remember the root cause of cavity and to work on great oral hygiene practices at home by brushing and flossing. Any discoloration on soft tissues (tongue, gums, lips) are temporary and should resolve in a few days to weeks.
Fluoride varnish is usually placed after SDF application so try not to let your child eat or drink for 30 mins.
SEALANTS
No precautions are necessary but we recommend patients to avoid crunching ice, eating sticky foods such as candy or gum because it might dislodge the sealant. Sealants typically last 3-5 years with normal wear and tear. We will check the sealants every 6 months.
NITROUS OXIDE / LAUGHING GAS
If your child had laughing gas today, he or she will leave the office with NO residual effects of the gas. Dr. Mori administers 5 minutes or more of pure 100% oxygen toward the end of each appointment, this will reverse the effects of nitrous on his/her body. Most children feel normal afterwards, other kids may feel a bit tired. Try to avoid sports or other activities immediately following the procedure.
ANESTHETIC / NUMBING
If you have ever been numb from local anesthesia, you may now it’s not always the most comfortable feeling. Imagine that sensation on a young child. The numbness will usually last 2-3 hours after the appointment, sometimes longer. We do not recommend eating while numb, in fear of the child biting their lip, cheek or tongue. A smoothie or shake is recommended if they are hungry. While numb, it is very important the child DOES NOT bite, suck, pinch or scratch the numbed area- they will not feel if they are injuring themselves. Some children will become upset at the feeling of numbness, assure them it will go away and something cold (smoothie, shake or cold drink) typically feels good against the numbed area.
FILLINGS / CROWNS
If your child received a filling today, he or she may have some tenderness in the area for 24-48 hours. Try not to eat any sticky or chewy foods for 24 hours. It can be normal to feel some discomfort afterwards. It is important to see if your child is progressively improving. Brushing gently in the area and flossing is recommended, salt water rinses can help speed up soft tissue healing. Utilizing Ibuprofen or Tylenol at the correct dosages specified to your child’s weight can be a way to alleviate discomfort. Also, when your child bites down it may feel a little strange at first, but it is something your child will quickly get used to.
EXTRACTION / TOOTH PULLED
If your child had a tooth pulled today, he or she will have some tenderness and soreness for a couple of days in the area. Children’s Tylenol is recommended before numbness wears a way to keep your child comfortable. Most kids feel much relief the next day or sooner. Oozing or mild bleeding for the site is normal for a few days, pressure from biting on gauze or rolled up paper towel helps any bleeding. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods, stick with Soft foods for a few days and NO STRAWS for at least 3 days after an extraction as this can cause bleeding. No swishing, spitting or forceful rinsing for 24 hours.