How to Relieve Your Child’s Pain After Their Tooth Extraction
Sometimes it’s necessary to extract a child’s teeth. Although most children’s teeth fall out independently, your dentist may require tooth extraction in rare cases. Your pediatric dentist can perform a basic tooth extraction, which involves loosening the visible baby tooth and then pulling it out. This is a simple and easy operation that just requires a local anesthetic. Local anesthesia or sedation may be necessary for more complex extractions.
Any time your child has a tooth extracted, it can be a stressful experience for them. These simple tips will help relieve their pain and make the natural healing process go more smoothly.
Tooth Extraction Procedure Aftercare
After the dental surgery, following these tips would be best to help your child’s proper healing.
Pressure
Maintain pressure on the gauze pad your doctor has placed over the surgery region by having your child gently bite down on the gauze pad. If the gauze sponge becomes too dry, wet it with water. You should maintain a constant pressure for 45-60 minutes at a time or until the bleeding subsides. The gauze pack should be changed as needed. Make sure you provide a clean gauze pad to avoid infections.
Rest
Keep your child’s head raised and have them sit down to watch a movie or do something calming. Avoid strenuous physical activity until the wound has healed and the blood has clotted and formed a scab.
Ice Pack
Place ice or cold packs on the face near the extraction site to reduce edema or swelling. Ice packs can be applied to children’s cheeks for 10 to 20 minutes if necessary. For the next three days (while your child is awake) or until the swelling subsides, you should perform this procedure every one to two hours. Protect your skin from the ice by placing a small cloth in between you and it.
Medications
All prescribed medications should be taken as directed. Contact the doctor’s office immediately or go to the local emergency hospital if you notice any itching or swelling. Avoid buying over-the-counter pain medications if your child can tolerate the pain; however, if they can no longer endure the discomfort, make sure to ask your dentist for prescription pain medications.
Soft Foods
If your child has had a tooth removal, make sure they drink plenty of fluids and stick to healthy, softer foods for the first 24 hours after the dental procedure. Allowing them to drink hot beverages or using a straw is strictly prohibited. They can begin eating solid foods the following days after surgery if they are able to chew comfortably. Have the child refrain from chewing food on the side of the extraction site for the next few days. The child can resume chewing on both sides of their mouth once they are more comfortable.
Cleaning
For the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction, keep your child from brushing or flossing the area where the tooth was removed. Brush and floss the child’s other teeth as usual. Preventing infection and promoting healing can be as simple as letting the child gently rinse their mouth with warm salt water every day for the first few days following routine tooth extraction.
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Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to know more about pediatric tooth extractions
If your child is experiencing pain or discomfort from a tooth, a reputable pediatric dentist can help. Junior Smiles of Stafford’s team of pediatric dentists are experienced in providing tooth extractions for children and will work to make the process as comfortable as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and see how we can help your child get relief from their dental issues.
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
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