Extractions for Children
There are only several things we discuss for children’s extractions as they are far less complicated.
Bleeding: Bite on gauze with moderate pressure for twenty minutes. Remove the gauze and check to see if the bleeding has stopped. Note, the gauze will look red and the top of the hole will look red which does not mean it is bleeding. If there is blood pooling up in the saliva or if there is blood coming from the extraction site then it is still bleeding. Replace the gauze for another twenty minutes and repeat as necessary. The more active you are the longer it will take for the bleeding to stop.
Pain: Following an extraction you can expect mild to moderate discomfort. Whatever you take for a headache is a good starting point to control the discomfort. It is best to stay ahead of possible ensuing pain as it is easier to control lower levels of pain. In the office we discuss approaches how to manage possible pain. If you are having pain and need to speak with us, please call our dental office in Westford.
Numb Lip: If we removed a lower tooth, the lower lip on that side will be numb. In the office we made it a point to talk about not biting the lip. Do watch out for this. Kids find the numb lip interesting and may bite into it causing bleeding and swelling.
No swimming for twenty four hours.
No precautions: As far as home care, protecting the blood clot, and eating, there are no precautions.
