SEALANTS

In order to insure the life of the sealant, please have your child adhere to the following instructions:

  • Do not chew ice cubes – this can cause the sealant to chip.
  • Do not eat hard, sticky or chewy candy – like Jolly Ranchers, caramel, and Fruit Roll-Ups.  Sugarless gum is acceptable.

The sealant will protect the chewing surface of the tooth, but good brushing and flossing is a must to protect the sides of the teeth.

Dr. Ta guarantee the sealants for up to two (2) years following the initial application as long as the patient is up to date on his/her six (6) month check-ups.  At each examination Dr. Ta will examine the sealant and if a sealant comes off in this two (2) year period, we will reapply a new sealant at no charge.

COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS (WHITE FILLINGS)

Since the resin filling is bonded to the tooth, sticky foods and biting into hard food should be avoided so these fillings are not “pulled out”.  Good oral hygiene and brushing will protect the tooth from getting decay around the filling.

AMALGAM FILLINGS

Sometimes the teeth are slightly sensitive to new silver amalgam fillings for a few days or several weeks, but this usually goes away with time.

STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS

To avoid cost, time of replacement; please have your child avoid sticky foods such as hard candy, caramel and taffy.  The crowned teeth will usually fall out normally when the permanent tooth is ready to come in.

PULPOTOMY

The success of a pulpotomy depends on the severity of the dental infection and the body’s reaction to the infection and pulp treatment.  If the pulpotomy is not performed, or the nerve treatment fails and the tooth abscesses, the tooth must be extracted.  In the event the tooth is extracted, a space maintainer will need to be placed to hold a space for the permanent tooth.  A tooth may abscess with or without pain, therefore, it is recommended that regular six (6) month check-ups be made in order to keep the tooth under constant observation.

LOCAL ANESTHETIC

Typically the numb feeling may last 2 – 4 hours after treatment, affecting the cheeks, lips and tongue.  This may be a puzzling or curious sensation for a child, but care must be taken that your child does not bite, suck, or chew his/her lips, tongue or cheek.  Such self-inflicted bites typically look bad but rarely get infected.  Please keep your child on a liquid diet until the anesthetic has worn off.  When the numbness or “bubbles” wear off there is a 10 – 15 minute transitional period of increased tingling, which often stimulates a “panic” reaction in young children.  Reassure your child that the tingling will go away soon and if needed give Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Motrin (as the package directs).

EXTRACTIONS

  1. Give no carbonated beverages (soda pop), hot foods or drinks, and no snack chips for 24 hours.  Do not permit drinking from a straw for 24 hours after the removal of teeth.  No vigorous rinsing for 24 hours.
  2. To control minimal bleeding, have your child bite on a sterile gauze using light pressure for a few minutes.
  3. If minor swelling or pain occur, apply an ice pack to the area (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for one [1] hour).  If swelling or pain persist, please text the office promptly.
  4. For discomfort give Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Motrin liquid or pills, (no chewable) as the package directs.