CARE FOLLOWING RESTORATIVE TREATMENT
Restorative treatment is based upon the results of an appropriate clinical examination and part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS:
Sealants can play a significant role in the prevention and control of caries in pits and fissures of primary and permanent teeth. To help protect caries-susceptible tooth surfaces, sealants should be place as soon as possible after the tooth erupts and proper isolation to prevent moisture contamination can be achieved. Sealants are indicated for non-carious primary molars, permanent molars, premolars, and anterior teeth with deep pits and/or fissures.
COMPOSITE RESIN & GLASS IONOMER RESTORATION:
Composite resin or glass ionomer is indicated for the restoration of primary and permanent teeth, with caries or development or acquired defects.
AMALGAM RESTORATIONS:
Amalgam restorations consist of an alloy of metals condensed into a cavity preparation to restore the tooth to appropriate form and function. Amalgam is indicated for the restoration of carious lesions and/or development defects in primary and permanent teeth.
STAINLESS STEEL CROWN RESTORATIONS:
Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated crown forms that are adapted to individual teeth and cemented with a biocompatible luting agent. Stainless steel crown restorations are indicated for the restoration of primary and permanent teeth with caries, cervical decalcification, and/or development defects when failure of other available restorative materials is likely.
LOCAL ANESTHETIC:
Your child’s mouth will be numb for an hour or longer. Monitor your child to prevent any biting, chewing, scratching, sucking, or anything that could self-inflict trauma to lip, cheek or tongue. If you see your child biting their lip, place a piece of gauze folded in fourths between the teeth on the side where the numbness is present. If your child does traumatize their lip, cheek or tongue, it will heal in 10-14 days. Please call if there are any concerns. For young children, please reassure them the funny feeling will go away in time. The numb feeling can be scary for a young child.
FOOD:
Soft diet is advisable for a few hours following restorative treatment.
PAIN:
Your child may experience some mild discomfort following restorative treatment. Use any non-aspirin type of medication you like (Tylenol/Ibuprofen).
CARE FOLLOWING EXTRACTIONS
BLEEDING:
Following extraction, some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly for 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
PAIN:
Your child may experience some mild discomfort following an extraction. Use any non-aspirin type of medication you like. (Tylenol/Ibuprofen)
FOOD:
Soft diet is advisable during the first 24 hours. Do not use a straw to drink the day of surgery.
ORAL HYGIENE:
Brush remaining teeth daily, but do not rinse or use a mouthwash the day of surgery.
LOCAL ANESTHETIC:
Your child’s mouth will be numb for an hour or longer. Monitor your child to prevent any biting, chewing, scratching, sucking, or anything that could self-inflict trauma to lip, cheek or tongue. If you see your child biting their lip, place a piece of gauze folded in fourths between the teeth on the side where the numbness is present. If your child does traumatize their lip, cheek or tongue, it will heal in 10-14 days. Please call if there are any concerns. For young children, please reassure them the funny feeling will go away in time. The numb feeling can be scary for a young child. Call our office about any concerns you may have. Proper care following oral surgical procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.
CARE FOLLOWING DENTAL TREATMENT UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA
DIET:
Clear liquids initially and, if there is no nausea, slowly advance to soft, cold foods the day of surgery.
EXTRACTIONS:
If teeth were removed and bleeding is noticed from that area, apply pressure with gauze for 15-20 minutes.
DISCOMFORT:
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be given for any discomfort. Be careful not to exceed the maximum daily dose.
FLUORIDE:
If fluoride varnish was applied, brush it off thoroughly prior to bedtime the evening after the surgery. It is important to continue to use other home-applied fluorides if prescribed for your child.
BRUSHING:
It is very important to begin thorough brushing and flossing the evening after surgery. It is normal for some bleeding to occur around new steel crowns, but healing of the gums and decreased discomfort will be delayed if plaque is not thoroughly removed daily.
POST OPERATIVE EXAM:
A post-operative dental examination is to be scheduled 3-4 weeks following treatment.