Post operative List:

Extractions of Primary Teeth

Your child will have a numb lip, cheek and/or tongue for 30 minutes to two hours following the
extraction. Please monitor your child, making sure they don’t chew on that side until it is once
again "awake".

Keep your child’s diet soft for 24 hours. Avoid hard, crunchy foods

Keep your child’s activity monitored for the remainder of the day – no high activity, please!

Continue biting on pressure gauze for 30 minutes

It is not uncommon to have a light bloodstain on the pillow the night of the extraction. Often just
rubbing on the pillow while asleep will cause a mixture of saliva and blood flow that may cause concern.
A small amount is within normal range.

If bleeding persists the day after the extraction, please call the office.

Extractions of Permanent Teeth

DO NOT RINSE MOUTH TODAY. Tomorrow rinse mouth gently every 3 to 4 hours (especially after
meals) using one-half teaspoon of salt to an 8 oz. glass of very warm water. Continue rinses for several
days.

BLEEDING. Continue to bite down with firm pressure on gauze pads placed over the extraction
site for at least one-half hour. Following extractions, some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent
bleeding occurs, replace gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly for one-half hour. Repeat if

necessary.

SWELLING. Ice bag or chopped ice placed in a plastic bag and wrapped in a towel should be applied to
operated area – one-half hour on and one-half hour off for 24 hours.

PAIN. For mild to average pain use any over the counter medication you use for a headache. (Advil,
Motrin, Tylenol) Use as directed. If the doctor feels you need something stronger, it will be prescribed
for you.

FOOD. Light diet is advisable during the first 24 hours. Cool, soft foods are best.

BONY EDGES. Small sharp bone fragments may work through the gums during healing. These are not
roots. If annoying, return to the office for their simple removal. They normally resolve on their own.

If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office at once. Proper care hastens recovery and prevents
complications.

Fillings, Crowns and other Operative Procedures

Following a procedure in which the lip or cheek are numb, be careful not to chew or eat on the
affected side. Avoid hard crunchy foods at the next meal.

A repair or new filling or crown makes a change, however small, in the way teeth fit together. The
tongue and cheeks will notice a change and adapt to the new addition, too.

Thermal sensitivity is not uncommon if the decay or preparation was deep, close to the nerve. If
the tooth is responding and healing, sensitivity only lasts for a short time after the cold is introduced.
Gradually over time the thermal sensitivity decreases, as the tooth develops a healed, protective layer.

If a filling, crown, or other restoration feels "high" and does not allow the other teeth to close
together, if may adjust itself in a day or two. If it continues to touch prematurely, it might need an
adjustment at the office. Please call if you need to be examined.

Pain might be experienced due to muscle tightness or tenderness following operative procedures.
Common remedies would be Tylenol, Advil, Motrin or other over-the-counter medications. If the pain
persists overnight and the doctor has not advised you to expect discomfort, please call the office for
instructions.

Accidents with Trauma

First 24 hours

Soft diet

Apply cold compresses and/or Popsicle, slurpies, and ice chips

Warm salt water rinses after meals, if child is old enough to rinse out

Tylenol for discomfort, not aspirin

Cut food in small pieces, and chew with the back molar teeth

If patient is a toddler, keep hard toys away for a few days

Gum tissue may appear black and blue and swollen. This resolves quickly, in 48-72 hours

If gum tissue was involved and bleeding, there will be traces of blood on the pillow after naps or
sleeping the first 24 hours.

Monitor after initial healing

Gum tissue may appear discolored or gray as part of the normal healing process.

If gum tissue is bright red and /or fever is present, the child should be examined; antibiotics are
usually indicated.

Change in tooth color means internal bleeding; however, the tooth may recover and remain healthy.

Blister or pimple on the gum tissue above the tooth means the tooth needs attention.

Braces or Orthodontic Appliances

Every retainer, appliance or braces are custom designed for an individual patient. Care is taken so that
they fit properly, but the newness will often make clear speech difficult for a few days. Speak slowly,
until the tongue becomes accustomed to the new addition.

Pain can occur when orthodontic treatment first begins. Muscle soreness and tooth soreness can last
for 24-48 hours. During any sore periods of time, a soft diet, with food cut into small bites will minimize
discomfort.

White wax is available to pinch off and place on a sharp archwire, bracket or band. The wax that you
received at the office is also available in grocery stores and pharmacies. This will protect the irritated
cheek or gum tissue.

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Research News:

New Clinical Study Announced Utilizing a Patient’s Own Stem Cells Recovered from Periodontal Ligaments to Treat Periodontitis:

Welcome To Our Office Tour. We offer a comfortable environment for both parent and child. Our waiting area is equipped with toys, flat screen televisions and video games for the kids and will make them feel more like they are at home than the dentist office. If you have any questions, our professional and friendly staff will be sure to help you out.

We are always looking for talented hygienists and office staff. To be considered for a position please print both of the documents below and email them to info@specialdental.com or mail them to:

Associated Dental Specialists

c/0 Employment

Grove Medical Center Suite 308

Long Grove, IL 60047

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Below are some helpful documents detailing various processes. The documents are saved in PDF format.

Laser Surgical Procedure

Extraction Home Care Instructions

Consent For Dental Treatment

Hippa Privacy Form

Nitrous Oxide Instructions

Parent Policy

Stop by and say hello:

Associated Dental Specialists
Grove Medical Center

4160 RFD # 308

Long Grove, IL 60047

Give us a call:

(847)634-6166

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