NEED HELP?

NUMBING POST-OPERATIVE CARE

Your child’s lip, cheek, and/or tongue will be numb or “asleep” for about 2-3 hours.

After local anesthesia is used, your child may accidentally chew on his or her lip, cheek, or tongue to the point of injury. During that time, monitor your child and do not let them bite, scratch, or pick at these areas.

Follow these instructions if your child bites his or her cheek, lip, or tongue:

1.

Once the initial bleeding stops, the area will likely turn whitish in color. Do not be alarmed – this is normal and not a sign of infection. These areas of the mouth often heal very quickly.

2.

Apply an ice pack over the area during the first 3 days if there is swelling. Place the ice pack on the area for 15 minutes and remove it for 15 minutes. Repeat this process for 1 hour, 3 times a day.

3.

Give your child Tylenol or Motrin over the counter as directed per the manufacturer’s label for pain.

Please contact us if the wound is not healing in 5-7 days or if it seems infected. Signs of infection include continued swelling, drainage, and/or redness.

If the area won’t stop bleeding and/or if the injury is significant, call the office so that we can further assist you.

WHAT TO DO

IN AN EMERGENCY

Here are some helpful guides to oral issues your child may experience and suggestions on steps to take.

TOOTHACHE

Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child’s dentist. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist immediately.

CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK

Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.

KNOCKED OUT PERMANENT TOOTH

If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk, NOT water. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

KNOCKED OUT BABY TOOTH

Unlike with a permanent tooth, the baby tooth should not be replanted due to possible damage to the developing permanent tooth. In most cases, no treatment is necessary. If you have concerns, please contact our office during normal business hours to schedule an appointment.

CHIPPED/FRACTURED PERMANENT TOOTH

Time is a critical factor, contact your pediatric dentist immediately so as to reduce the chance for infection or the need for extensive dental treatment in the future. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth piece, bring it with you to the dentist.

CHIPPED/FRACTURED BABY TOOTH

Chips in baby teeth are common as our active little ones explore. Unless your child’s nerve is exposed, emergency treatment is rarely necessary. If aesthetics are a concern, you can make an appointment by contacting us during normal business hours.

IMMEDIATELY GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IF YOUR CHILD EXPERIENCES THE FOLLOWING

-Severe Blow to the Head: Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
-Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.