Home Care Instructions

After Tooth Extraction

BLEEDING: Some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place moist gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly for one half-hour. Repeat if necessary.

PAIN: Within the first hour take Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen as directed.

FOOD: A light diet is advisable during the first day. You may drink immediately, but don’t use straws.

RINSE/BRUSH: Do not rinse your mouth today. Brushing your teeth is advised, but do not swish water following brushing.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Physical exertion should be limited the day of extractions. Normal activity can resume the following day.

NUMB: Patient will be numb for approximately 2-3 hours. Do not bite, suck or play with the area.

If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office at once (847) 498-1595.

After Composite Fillings (white fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used, the area may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at (847) 498-1595.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (847) 498-1595.

After Tongue- or Lip-Tie Release

TONGUE-TIE RELEASE

Your goal is to have the area heal and re-form as far back as possible to give the most mobility. 

  1. STARTING 24 hours after procedure: With a clean or gloved finger, push down behind the teeth in the floor of the mouth, and swipe/push into and up the tongue (on the diamond), lifting the tongue at the top of the diamond in the middle of the tongue. Your goal is to see the whole diamond open up and lengthen. It may bleed slightly when it is stretched or re-opened. This is not a concern. Try to make a game of it if possible and keep it playful, or bribery can work too J.
  2. Repeat this 3 times a day for 3 weeks. Quality stretches are the key.
  3. Encourage the child to move the tongue as much as possible by sticking it out and holding for 10 seconds, out to the left, right, open wide and lift up and paint the roof, make clicking noises, and clean off the teeth.

LIP-TIE RELEASE

The goal is for the lip to heal and be able to lift as high as possible.

  1. STARTING TOMORROW: Pull the lip up as high as possible, high enough to press against the nose. You want to see the whole white diamond open up. Press gently but firmly right on the wound to massage it and keep the diamond open. It may bleed slightly when this is done, but this is not a concern. Try to make a game of it, and keep it playful, or bribery can work too J.
  2. Repeat 3 times a day for 3 weeks.

The released area will form a wet scab after the first day. It will appear white or yellow and soft because it is wet (not infected). This area is what you will be pressing against. The healing will be happening under the scab, just like a scrape anywhere else on your body. The white area will get smaller each day, but healing is still happening!  So even though the white scab will heal you MUST continue the stretching or the new frenum will not be as long as possible and the surgery may need to be repeated.

The child can eat whatever foods he or she can tolerate. Pain relief is usually needed the first 2 days. Give Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol as directed on the package based on weight.  If the lip-tie was released, the child’s lip may swell up slightly that evening or the next day. It is normal and will go down after a day or two. The wound will be sore for a few days, at one week look much better, and at two weeks look almost normal.  A slight fever is normal the first day. They should eat and sleep normally. If you’re concerned it is growing back together, come back for a visit or email a picture.  A follow-up visit should be scheduled one week after the procedure to assess healing.