You have been given one or more instruction and information forms on caring for your child after sedation. These may have included information and instruction on the following:
- Local anesthesia caution
- Skin care
- Dental fillings
- Dental crowns
- Dental extraction and surgery
Please call our office if you have any questions on these instructions.
- Your child should be transported home immediately after discharge from our office.
- An adult should sit next to your child in the rear seating area of the vehicle to assist your child in maintaining upright head and neck position to ensure proper airway function.
- Your child should be supervised so that no self-inflicted injury can occur to the face,
- lips, or mouth (outside and inside cheeks, tongue, etc.) from finger scratching and/or tissue biting.
- Your child should be hydrated as soon as possible with any nourishing liquids (fruit juices, etc.). We recommend that your child start with clear liquids such as apple juice, carbonated lemon/lime juice, etc. right away.
- Call our office as soon as you arrive home to notify us of your safe arrival.
- Your child should eat soft foods as soon as they are ready and only after the numbness disappears. We recommend that your child wait at least two hours after treatment to allow sufficient time for the numbness to disappear. No solid foods should be allowed until the day after sedation.
- Due to the lingering effects of sedation medication, it may be normal for your child to be sleepy and wish to nap. If your child naps, we recommend that your child sleep on their side supported by a pillow/snot on their stomach. Parents should monitor their child every three to five minutes for airway difficulties and vomiting. Other effects of sedation include lack of coordination, irritation, etc., and may last for three to five hours. Remember, hydration with liquids is important. So don’t let your child nap without adequate hydration. Wake your child as needed to ensure that your child receives proper hydration.
- Normal activities (play, school, etc.) may resume the day after sedation. However, due to the lingering effects of sedation, we recommend limiting all activities for the day of sedation to a minimum. Television, video games, etc., are recommended.
- Your child may have swallowed some blood and/or saliva during and after their dental procedures.This may cause nausea, an upset stomach, and vomiting. Continue with liquids as tolerated by the child.
- If advised by the doctor or the child’s physician, resume any medications that your child takes regularly. An over-the-counter, aspirin-free pain relief medication may be given as discussed by the doctor and according to product label recommendations.
- Your child’s normal sleep pattern may be temporarily interrupted due to the sedation process. It should return to normal within a few days.