Post-op Instructions- Pediatric Pulpotomy (Nerve Treatment)

Please adhere to the following instructions to expedite your child's healing process and avoid any unnecessary discomfort:

· IF POSSIBLE, DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO EAT UNTIL THE ANESTHETIC HAS WORN OFF to avoid the accidental biting of their lips, cheek or tongue. If your child is hungry, a smoothie or milkshake is a good alternative until the numbness wears off.

· MONITOR YOUR CHILD'S ACTIONS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT INTENTIONALLY CHEWING ON OR SQUEEZING THEIR LIPS, CHEEK, OR TONGUE. This feeling of being numb can be a very different feeling for a child and they may pick at or repeatedly bite, scratch or squeeze the area not knowing the damage they are doing. So it is important to keep a close eye on them to try to prevent this from occurring.

If your child does end up biting the lip cheek or tongue, apply mild pressure with a damp cloth to stop any bleeding and then place an ice pack on the area for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off for the about 1 hour, 3 times a day to reduce any swelling. You can also give your child a Children's Tylenol or Children's Motrin to help with any pain. The area may appear white/red, feel warm to the touch and be swollen but don't be alarmed, this is normal and does not indicate an infection. These areas should heal within 4-5 days.

· DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO EAT ANYTHING STICKY, CHEWY OR HARD AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO CHEW ON THE OTHER SIDE FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS. Foods such as hard candies, chewing gum, fruit snacks, caramels, taffy and other sticky foods can dislodge the restoration or break the remaining tooth structure of that tooth, so it is important to stay away from these foods in general. For the first 24 hours, it is recommended to keep your child to a soft diet since the tooth and surrounding gums can be sensitive following any dental procedure.

· YOUR CHILD'S TOOTH/TEETH MAY FEEL SENSITIVE ESPECIALLY TO CHEWING BUT THIS IS NORMAL and should subside over the next few days. As long as the sensitivity continues to lessen, there is no need for concern. If the pain is severe or they are unable eat or bite down on the tooth/teeth after 24-48 hours, please call our office.

· BE CAREFUL WHEN BRUSHING AND FLOSSING. It is important that you and your child continue their normal brushing and flossing routine but it is normal for the tooth/teeth and surrounding gum tissue to be sore and red for the first few days so gentle brushing and flossing of that area may be more comfortable. If your child uses an electric or battery powered toothbrush, you can try turning off the brush and manually brushing that tooth gently if needed. 

· MOST TEETH TREATED WITH A PULPTOMY REQUIRE A CROWN. If the crown was placed during this appointment, please refer to the post-op instructions for that to ensure the best outcome. If a crown has not yet been placed and a temporary restoration has been placed, it is important to not delay having a crown placed on this tooth as the tooth is more susceptible to fracture, contamination and or decay that may in the worst cases result in tooth removal.

· TAKE MEDICATION as instructed by the doctor. If antibiotics are prescribed, please take as directed and to reduce pain or soreness, your child can take Children's Tylenol or Children's Motrin as directed per the manufacturer label unless they are allergic or have otherwise been instructed not to take it.

Please call our office if:

· If you notice a small bump form on your child's gums near the tooth that was treated.

· If your child develops a fever over 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Please note if your child was treated under general anesthesia, it is normal to have a slightly elevated temperature for the first 48 hours.

· If your child bit their lip, cheek or tongue and the area will not stop bleeding or the injury is significant and you need further assistance

· If your child bit their lip, cheek or tongue and it is not healing after 5-7 days or it appears infected (typical signs of infection may include drainage, continued swelling, and/or redness).

· If the pain is severe or your child is unable to eat or bite down on the tooth/teeth after 24-48 hours.