Transport
- It is not recommended to take public transport home (the bus).
- Out of town patients are encouraged to stay in Edmonton overnight.
Activity As Tolerated
- Your child must rest at home for the remainder of the day, in the company of a responsible adult. Your child may be dizzy all day, close adult supervision is required (e.g. you must take your child to the bathroom)
- Plan quiet activities for the remainder of the day (no skipping, bike riding, sports, etc.). Resume normal activities such as school or daycare the day after surgery.
- Do not leave your child unattended at any time on the day of the procedure.
Diet
- A clear liquid diet (7-up, Ginger ale, clear broth, Jell-O, popsicles, etc.) for the rest of the surgery day should help your child recover from any possible nausea. Please do not give your child orange juice, tomato juice, fruit nectars, milk or other dairy products, or any other solid foods.
- Introduce soft foods 3-4 hours after surgery and then return to normal eating patterns when your child requests it. Avoid excessive salt, spices, etc.
- On the evening of the dental procedure, brush your child’s teeth as instructed. Then gently brush 2-3 times daily after that.
- If crowns were placed, avoid sticky foods or gummy foods such as caramels. No candy. If a crown does come off, save the crown and call your dentist's office to make an appointment.
Pain
Your child may require pain medication on the day of surgery and the day after. Use
Tylenol, Tempra or Advil for discomfort.
Bleeding/Discomfort
If teeth were removed, some bleeding may persist for the first day. A piece of gauze
placed on the bleeding site and held for 30 minutes should stop any persistent
bleeding.
If crowns were placed, some tenderness, bleeding, and minor swelling around the
the gum line is normal.
Potential Complications and Management
It is common to expect:
- Nosebleeds, sore throats, coughing which are all due to the breathing tube
- Band-Aid on hand/foot from the IV site
- Numb lips and mouth from freezing
- Puffy and/or reddened eyelids, lips, cheeks or nose due to sensitivity to tape. This will disappear in about 24 hours.
- Bleeding from the mouth, due to extractions and other work
- Vomiting and nausea (A nurse will tell you if it is acceptable to give your child
Gravol for nausea) - A bruise or discomfort is normal either on the hand, upper arm or thigh area from the IV and intramuscular injection given for pain control during surgery.
If you have any questions, please ask a nurse!