At Champagne Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jason Champagne and associates will care for your child throughout the entire process of their dental treatment in Sparks, Nevada. This means caring for your child prior to a dental procedure, ensuring comfort during the process and offering postoperative care. Our pediatric dentists and team do everything in our power to ensure that you can focus on what matters most — taking care of your family.
Local Anesthetic
Your child’s mouth will be numb for approximately two to four hours after their procedure. Watch them closely to see that your child does not bite, scratch or injure the numb areas that have been treated. Some children become very upset (even cry) and complain of pain when they realize that their mouth feels “different.” They may interpret the unfamiliar numb feeling as pain, so do not be alarmed. Reassure your child that the “funny” feeling will be away soon. Maintain a soft diet until the anesthetic wears off.
Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen is a safe and effective means of managing pain and anxiety in pediatric dentistry, while allowing your child to remain conscious to receive instruction. 100% oxygen is used after the procedure to completely flush out the nitrous oxide so that children can most often quickly resume normal activity.
Dental Fillings and Sealants
After a dental filling or even a sealant, your child’s teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and pressure for a brief period.
Pediatric Dental Crowns
After placing the dental crown or cap, the gum tissue around the tooth may bleed and look bruised and swollen. Do not worry, for this is normal. Sometimes, the gums will even appear to look purple or grey around the cap. These will all subside over time and are usually of no concern.
Pulpotomy or Indirect Pulp Cap
Nerve treatment (sometimes referred to a “baby root canal”) is often recommended for teeth with large cavities. Treat any discomfort with TYLENOL® or MOTRIN®.
Space Maintainer
Avoid any sticky foods that may pull out the spacer. Make sure that your child does not place fingers in their mouth the day of the procedure because this may loosen its bond to the teeth.
Extraction
You will be sent home with gauze pressure packs to control normal bleeding from your child’s extraction site. Because most pediatric dental extractions are very simple, it is very unlikely that they will need anything more than regular pain killers like TYLENOL or MOTRIN. Avoid straws, carbonated beverages and hard foods for a couple of days after the procedure.
Swelling, Pain and Bleeding
Mild swelling, bleeding and discomfort are normal following some dental procedures. Remember that a little blood mixed with saliva looks like a lot of blood. Do not be alarmed! However, please call our offices with any concerns.
Diet and Other Limitations
After dental treatment, your child’s diet should consist of soft foods for the first little while. Avoid crunchy or sticky foods, like candy, nuts or popcorn. Special instructions will be given in the office for children undergoing general anesthesia.