Patients
Post-Surgery Instructions
Follow these instructions to help your child recover safely and comfortably at home.
- Monitor your child closely for 24 hours – anesthesia can cause sleepiness and dizziness.
- Limit physical activity: No running, jumping, or climbing.
- Encourage quiet activities: TV, video games, board games, coloring.
- Hydration is important – give lots of fluids (water is best).
- Offer soft foods for two days: yogurt, bananas, pudding, eggs, applesauce.
- Avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard-to-chew foods.
- If your child vomits, stop solid foods and give only liquids for a few hours.
- Use a new, soft toothbrush starting today. Rinse gently.
- if extractions were done:
- No straws, spicy food, cups, bottles, or pacifiers for 2 days.
- Don't brush teeth next to the extraction site for the first 24 hours.
- Some bleeding is normal. Call the dental office if it seems excessive.
- Use Children’s Tylenol or Motrin as directed on the label.
- If a prescription pain medication was given, use only as instructed.
- Call the dental office if the pain is severe or not improving with medication.
- Call your dentist to schedule a follow-up within 2 weeks.
- Notify the dental office if you need to reschedule.
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY? SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR CHILD HAS:
- Persistent nausea or vomiting (can't keep liquids down)
- Fever over 100.7°F (38°C), especially with chills
- Severe or rapidly increasing swelling
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain that is severe or not improving with medication
Eight Convenient Ambulatory Surgery Center Locations on the East Coast.
Safe, high-quality outpatient surgical care for children and families.
