It is important for your child’s safety that you follow these instructions carefully. Failure to follow the instructions could result in unnecessary complications.
Please supervise your child closely for the remainder of the day and contact our office if you have questions or notice any of the warning signs listed below.
These instructions explain how to care for your child after receiving pediatric sedation dentistry.
Getting Home Safely
A responsible adult must accompany your child after treatment.
During transportation, your child should be:
- Closely watched for signs of breathing difficulty
- Carefully secured in an appropriate car seat or with a seat belt
The original handout requires a responsible adult to accompany and closely monitor the child during transportation.
Rest and Activity After Sedation
Do not plan or permit activities for your child after treatment. Allow your child to rest and closely supervise any activity for the remainder of the day.
When your child is sleeping, encourage them to lie on their side or stomach.
Drinking and Eating After Sedation
Begin With Plain Water
Your child’s first drink after treatment should be plain water.
Clear liquids may then be offered, including:
- Fruit juice
- Sugar-free Kool-Aid
- Gatorade
- Ginger ale
- Soup broth
Offer small amounts repeatedly rather than allowing your child to drink a large amount at once.
Introduce Soft Foods
Your child may have soft, lukewarm, and bland foods when desired. Suitable options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Pudding
- Ice cream
- Popsicles
These food and drink instructions preserve the sequence and examples given in the original handout.
Monitor Your Child’s Temperature
Your child’s temperature may rise to 101°F or 38°C during the first 24 hours following treatment.
Tylenol every four hours and plenty of fluids may help relieve this condition. Follow the dose and directions provided for your child.
Notify Dr. Jamil if:
- Your child’s temperature rises above 101°F or 38°C
- The elevated temperature continues beyond 24 hours
Care After a Tooth Extraction
If your child had one or more teeth removed, a small amount of bleeding is normal.
Do not allow your child to spit because this may increase bleeding. Do not allow your child to drink through a straw during the first 24 hours because the suction may disturb the blood clot.
Remember that a small amount of blood mixed with saliva can appear to be a much larger amount of blood.
For more detailed guidance, parents can follow the complete tooth extraction aftercare instructions for kids.
Brushing and Flossing
It is very important to begin brushing and flossing your child’s teeth the morning after treatment.
Continue brushing and flossing every day to help prevent infection and future dental problems.
When to Call the Dental Office
Call or text the office at (214) 935-3764 if you have questions or if any of the following occur:
- Vomiting continues beyond four hours
- Your child’s temperature remains elevated beyond 24 hours
- Your child’s temperature rises above 101°F or 38°C
- Your child has any difficulty breathing
- Your child’s skin coloration appears poor
The office number and warning signs above are taken directly from the existing sedation handout.
Emergency note: Difficulty breathing or a concerning change in skin color may require urgent attention. Parents should follow the emergency guidance provided directly by the dental team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my child rest after dental sedation?
Your child should rest and be closely supervised for the remainder of the treatment day. Do not plan physical activities or allow unsupervised play after the procedure.
What should my child drink first after sedation?
The first drink should be plain water. Clear liquids may be introduced afterward in small, repeated amounts rather than one large serving.
What foods can my child eat after dental sedation?
Offer soft, lukewarm, and bland foods when your child is ready. Examples include mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, pudding, ice cream, and popsicles.
Can my child sleep after dental sedation?
Yes, your child may rest or sleep after treatment. Closely supervise them and follow the handout’s direction to encourage sleeping on their side or stomach.
When should I call the dentist after sedation?
Call or text the office if vomiting continues for more than four hours, a temperature remains elevated beyond 24 hours or rises above 101°F, breathing becomes difficult, or your child’s skin coloration appears concerning.
