Post Operative Tips
After the sedation appointment:
1 Once discharged, you should take your child directly home, not to daycare or school. Car restraints should be placed securely around your child but not restrict your child’s airway and breathing or the ability to be carefully observed.
2 Your child will still be drowsy and must remain under adult supervision until fully recovered from the effects of the sedation. If your child wants to sleep, position your child on either side with the head supported and the chin up. Although sleepy, your child should be awakened easily. During this period, check your child’s breathing and airway frequently. If your child is snoring, reposition the head until the snoring disappears and your child breathes normally. If breathing becomes abnormal or you are unable to arouse your child, contact emergency services immediately.
3 Nausea and vomiting are occasional side effects of sedation. If vomiting occurs, immediately clear the material from your child’s mouth. Once again, be sure that breathing is normal. If breathing becomes abnormal or you are unable to arouse your child, contact emergency services immediately. If vomiting persists for 20 to 40 minutes, contact our office immediately.
4 Your child may be drowsy and uncoordinated for the remainder of the day. After the sedation appointment, limit your child to quiet activities monitored by an adult. Prohibit potentially harmful activities such as bike riding, swimming, using playground equipment, or climbing stairs and any activity where balance is important.
5 In addition to the sedative medications, we often use local anesthetic to numb the mouth during dental treatment. The numbness usually lasts two to four hours. Watch to see that your child does not bite, scratch, or injure the cheek, lips, or tongue during this time.
6 Children may be irritable after treatment. If this occurs, stay with your child and provide a calm environment. If you believe the irritability is caused by discomfort, you may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). Follow the instructions on the bottle for dosing based upon your child’s age/weight.
7 Once alert, your child may have sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea and dehydration. Small sips taken repeatedly are preferable to large gulps. Straws should not be used if your child had any extractions. The first meal should be something light and easily digestible (e.g., apple sauce, soup, gelatin). Any solid food can be given after as long as it's soft and cut into smaller pieces.
8 A slight fever (temperature to 100.5° Fahrenheit) is not uncommon after sedation. You may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol ) or ibuprofen (Advil , Motrin ). Follow the instructions on the bottle for dosing based upon your child’s age/ weight. Because dehydration may cause a slight increase in temperature, clear fluids may help correct this condition. If a higher fever develops or the fever persists, please call your pediatrician.
9 Please contact Dr. Hwang at 704-426-3566 (text message preferred) if you have further questions.