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Before and After Care Instructions for Parents

Your child may need upcoming dental work or might have just completed work at Voorhees Pediatric Dentistry. Please see instructions below for dental extractions, space maintainers, crowns, and nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas).

After Care Instructions for a Dental Extraction

The removal of a tooth is a surgical procedure. As such, you may have post-operative problems. Bite on gauze for 30-60 minutes. A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following oral surgery. If bleeding becomes excessive, bite on a moist herbal tea bag (not red-colored tea) for 30 minutes and call us at the office. You may have pain. Tylenol is preferred when possible as long as there are no allergies.

  • Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for 24 hours. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes
  • Do not spit for 24 hours.
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity and sports for 24 hours
  • Do not drink with a straw for 24 hours.
  • Do not drink hot liquids for 24 hours.
  • A soft diet is advisable. Drink fluids Please call my office if you have any complications.
  • You may choose to use an ice pack on the outside of your face for 15-20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling."  
  • Do not brush the surgical area for 24 hours  

After Care Instructions for Dental Crowns and Space Maintainer

After your child gets a stainless steel crown or space maintainer, here are some important things to know to keep their smile happy and healthy:

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👑 Stainless Steel Crowns

  • Mild Soreness is Normal - The crown sits near the gum line, so the gums may feel a bit sore for a few days. This is normal and should improve on its own.
  • No Eating for 1 Hour - Please wait one hour after the crown is cemented before eating or drinking, to let the dental cement fully set. After 1 hour, your child can go back to their usual eating habits.
  • When the Crowned Tooth Fall Out? - Most of the time, the crown will come out naturally when the baby tooth is ready to fall out — just like a normal tooth!
  • Watch for Signs of Infection - While uncommon, sometimes a tooth with a crown can develop an infection. Please call us if you notice:
    • A bubble or pimple on the gums near the crown
    • Swelling or redness at the gumline
    • Severe or persistent pain in the tooth
    • We may need to take an x-ray to check what's going on.

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🪥 Space Maintainers:

  • Mild Soreness is Normal - The gums may feel a little sore for a few days as they adjust to the appliance.
  • Avoid Sticky & Chewy Candies - Sticky snacks (like taffy, gum, fruit roll-ups, caramels, etc.) can loosen the cement and cause the space maintainer to fall off.
  • If It Feels Loose… If the space maintainer feels wiggly, give us a call! 👉 If it's loose enough for you to safely remove it, please take it out and bring it in for us to re-cement. Never leave it loose in the mouth. It can be a choking hazard.
  • Food Can Get Stuck - It's normal for small bits of food to occasionally get caught in the circular loop area of the space maintainer. Most of the time, rinsing with water will clear it out.

    You can also use soft dental picks with tiny brushes (sold over-the-counter at most pharmacies) to gently remove any stubborn food.

😀 Instructions if Your Child is Getting Nitrous Oxide (also known as "Laughing Gas")

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective way to help your child relax during dental treatment. Here are a few important things to know before and after their appointment:

✅ Before the Appointment:

  • No Food 2 Hours Before - We recommend not eating anything within 2 hours of the appointment. An empty stomach helps reduce the chance of nausea.
  • Avoid Heavy or Dairy-Based Meals - Please avoid dairy (milk/cheese) and heavy meals earlier in the day, especially close to the appointment time. These types of foods can sometimes cause nausea when combined with nitrous oxide.
  • For Children Prone to Nausea - If your child tends to get carsick or queasy easily, we recommend:
    • Booking an early morning appointment
    • Not eating anything beforehand if possible

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🛌 After the Appointment:

  • Most Kids Bounce Right Back! - After their visit, most children are able to return to school or normal activities right away.
  • But Some May Feel a Bit Tired - A small number of kids might feel a little groggy or tired afterward. If this happens, let them relax and rest before jumping back into their routine

Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

Whether it's time for a routine check-up or you're seeking expert advice on teeth extraction, Voorhees Pediatric Dentistry is here to support your family's dental health needs. Contact us today at Voorhees Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your child’s visit with Dr. Dan Dinowitz.

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