Post-Operative Instructions for Tooth Extraction

At SuperKiddos Dental & Orthodontics, your child’s comfort and recovery are our top priorities. Following these post-operative instructions carefully will ensure a smooth healing process after their tooth extraction.

Activity

Your child should rest and avoid physical activities on the day of the surgery.
Keep their head elevated above the heart to minimize swelling.
If sedation was used, they should avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours before resuming normal routines.

Safety

If your child was sedated, an adult should stay with them for at least 3-4 hours after the procedure.
They should not engage in activities requiring coordination, such as riding bikes or playing sports for 24 hours.
Avoid allowing them to sign important documents or use power tools during this recovery period.

Gauze Packs

Place clean gauze over the extraction site and have your child bite down gently.
Change gauze every 30 minutes or as needed until the bleeding stops (usually within 3-4 hours).
Never leave gauze in overnight.
If bleeding resumes, have your child bite on a fresh gauze pad or a damp tea bag (non-herbal and non-decaffeinated).
If your child falls asleep, check the gauze every 20 minutes to ensure it remains in place.

Diet

Encourage cold liquids such as water, juice, or milk for the first 24 hours.
Avoid hot beverages and carbonated drinks.
Serve soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, or scrambled eggs for the first 24 hours.
Avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods that may disrupt the healing process.

Pain Management

Administer prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications before the numbing effect wears off.
Always give medication with soft food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
Apply ice packs to the jaw area in 15-minute intervals during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort.
After 24 hours, switch to warm compresses to promote healing.
Do not give your child alcohol while they are on pain medication or antibiotics.

Oral Care

For the first 24 hours, your child should avoid rinsing, spitting, brushing, or using straws to prevent dry socket.
After 24 hours, they may gently brush their teeth and rinse their mouth with warm salt water.
Refrain from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, as it can slow healing.

What to Expect

Swelling may peak between the second and third day before gradually subsiding.
Some discomfort during this period is normal, but excessive pain should be reported to our office.
If your child experiences prolonged bleeding, severe pain, fever, or signs of infection, contact SuperKiddos Dental & Orthodontics immediately.

For any questions or concerns, please call our office. We are here to support your child’s recovery and ensure a healthy, happy smile!

Bringing my kids to see Dr. Nikaeen is always a good experience. The front office staff is always very helpful with scheduling appointments for us based on the hectic schedule of a working mom with three kids who attend three different schools all over LA! I appreciate the care and kindness shown when working on my children's' mouths. I recommend her office to everyone!

Michelle B

Dr. Nikaeen is a highly professional orthodontist. She takes great care in her patients teeth and their well being. She’s very detail oriented and takes pride in providing an individualized service to all her patients. Both my daughters have been coming to her and I’m so happy to report my older daughter had her braces taken off today and her teeth look amazing. Couldn’t be happier with Dr. Nikaeen and her staff.

Moj S

I have been in the dental field for 25 years in Los Angeles and chose Dr. Nikaeen to treat my teenage daughter. She is honestly one of the best in Southern California and I recommend her as often as I can to others!

Angie B.