Instructions for Care Following Extractions

1. Bleeding

Keep gauze sponges held firmly between the teeth in the extraction site for one hour. If excessive bleeding continues, or if you are concerned, please call the office. When the anesthesia wears off, you may experience more bleeding. This is normal. Have your child bite on another piece of gauze.

2. Cleanliness and Brushing

Do not attempt to rinse your child’s mouth for six hours. Brushing is desirable as long as it is not close to the extraction site.

3. Medicines

Take all medications ordered by the dentist. Most younger children who undergo extractions of baby teeth develop only minor discomfort. Motrin is often adequate.

4. Food

Usually a soft diet is needed for one to two days. Do not allow your child to drink through a straw for at least two days and please be careful to avoid anything with seeds, nuts or berries for a couple of days to allow the socket to heal properly.