If the procedure was in the lower jaw, your child's tongue, teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep.
Often, children do not understand the effects of local anesthesia. They may chew, scratch, suck or play with the numb lip, tongue or cheek. These actions can cause minor irritations, swelling and abrasions to the tissue. Please watch your child closely to make sure they're not injuring the lip, tongue or cheek before the anesthesia wears off.
Monitor your child closely for approximately two hours following the appointment. You will want to keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off.
Please call the office if you have any questions.
Care of the mouth after trauma:
Please call the office if you have any questions.
Care of the mouth after extractions
Please do not hesitate to contact the office if there are any questions.
Sealants keep out plaque and food by forming a thin covering over pits and fissures, thereby decreasing the risk of decay. Good oral hygiene and nutrition are still very important in preventing decay next to these sealants or in areas that are unable to be covered.
Your child should refrain from eating ice or hard candy, which tends to fracture the sealant. Regular dental appointments allow Dr. Nichols to be certain the sealants remain in place.
The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. When properly applied and maintained, they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth. A total prevention program includes regular visits to the dentist, the use of fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and limiting the number of times your child eats sugar-rich foods. If your child has sealants and you follow these measures, you will reduce the risk of decay and perhaps even eliminate it.
A thorough cleaning often produces some bleeding and swelling, and may cause tenderness or discomfort. This is not due to a "rough cleaning," but to tender and inflamed gums from insufficient oral hygiene. We recommend you take the following measures for two to three days after your child had a cleaning:
Please contact the office if the discomfort persists for more than seven days, or if you have questions.