Home aftercare is very important to maintaining your child’s dental health and post-procedure healing.

Here are some aftercare tips on how to care for your child after these common procedures.

• Tell them it may take between 1 and 4 hours for the numbness to wear off
• Have them avoid foods that require too much chewing; we recommend a soft food diet
• Make sure your child does not bite their tongue, cheek or lips
• Brush your teeth after eating to prevent the buildup of cavity-causing bacteria that cause toothaches

Pulpectomy Aftercare

If your child is experiencing sensitivity after treatment, you may give your child Children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child. If sensitivity or discomfort continues for more than 24 hours, please contact us.

Have your child avoid the following foods:

• Ice or ice cubes
• Hard candies
• Taffy
• Caramels
• Hard fruit and vegetables

Extraction Aftercare

Make sure your child is careful because their lips, cheek and tongue may be numb for the first few hours.

• Have your child bite on the provided gauze until his or her bleeding is controlled, which may take up to 30 minutes
• Liquids only for the first two hours. Avoid the use of straws, sippy cups, bottles, and pacifiers for 24 hours
• Soft foods only for the next 24 hours
• Avoid salty, spicy, acidic or crunchy foods for the first 24 hours. Cold and/or soft foods like ice cream, applesauce, Mac and cheese are a great choice
• No strenuous activity for the first 24 hours as this may increase bleeding from the extraction site

Children’s Tylenol or Motrin can be given for discomfort and ice packs can be used on the cheek for swelling, alternating on and off every 10-15 minutes. Brush carefully before bedtime but avoid the extraction site.

ICON Resin Infiltration Aftercare

• Avoid using front teeth to bite directly into hard food such as apples and corn on the cob
• Limit drinking or eating dark colored beverages and foods as this may cause staining and discoloration of the resin material
• For any discomfort, Children’s Tylenol or Motrin is recommended

Filling or Crown Aftercare

• Lips, cheek and tongue may be numb for the first few hours – liquids only
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods for the first few weeks – some tooth sensitivity is normal
• Do not chew ice, hard candy or gum
• Brush twice daily and floss
• Your child’s gums may be sore for 2 – 3 days and may bleed during brushing for the next few days

Children’s Tylenol or Motrin can be given for discomfort.