As Pediatric Dentists, we aim to prevent but in some circumstances, we have to extract teeth for orthodontics or because of extensive decay.
At SOCO Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we will use laughing gas and local anaesthesia to make your child as comfortable as possible and provide you with all the education tools you need for post-operative care.
DURING THE FIRST 24 HOURS:
It is important that a blood clot forms on the extraction site to stop bleeding, reduce pain, and speed healing. To protect the clot and avoid the pain of dry socket. Don’t Spit, and don’t suck on candies or through a straw.
BLEEDING.
Some bleeding and oozing are to be expected for several hours. Avoid spitting and use a straw as they may provoke oozing. Keep firm pressure on the gauze pack for 30 minutes and then discard. If bleeding is more than slight, use sterile gauze or a moistened tea bag over the area and again apply firm pressure for 30 minutes.
DISCOMFORT.
If the prescription was given, use it as directed. The prescription should be filled promptly and taken exactly as directed before the local anaesthesia wears off.
Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach as it may cause nausea if the prescription was not given, — counter medications (Children’s Motrin or Advil) can be taken as directed.
SWELLING.
Some degree of swelling is normal and can be minimized with the use of ice or cold packs applied to the face at the extraction site for 15-20 minutes and then remove for 15-20 minutes.
This should only be done for the first 24 hours. Maximum swelling will occur about the second or third post-operative day and then slowly recede.
DIET.
A soft or liquid diet is recommended for the first few days following surgery.
Until local anaesthesia (numbness) wears off, be careful chewing to prevent biting the numb area.
Use 1 tsp of warm salt water rinses 4 times a day to control swelling and to keep the area clean.
CARE OF MOUTH.
Resume brushing and flossing, but clean gently around the site for about a week.
ACTIVITY.
Resume a calm activity for the next 24 hours.
NOTE: If antibiotics were prescribed, continue to take them for the time indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
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