Download Pediatric Instructions & Guidelines – Pre/Post-Operative here.
Following these instructions will help ease your child’s recovery following dental treatment under IV sedation/general anesthesia.
- A responsible adult should drive your child home and remain with your child, under direct supervision, until he/she is fully alert.
- It is normal to feel tired, forgetful, and groggy after anesthesia. Your child’s judgement and mental acuity will be impaired. Have them relax for the remainder of the day.
- After surgery, your child may experience minor discomfort throughout the day. He/she may have bruising and tenderness at the site of the IV, or a sore throat. This is short-lived and should not cause alarm.
- The local anesthesia (numbing medication) administered during your child’s surgery normally lasts for 4-6 hours, and it’s important to take measures to control the discomfort before it wears off. Alternate taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours to manage pain control.
- Nausea and vomiting are common after surgery. To minimize symptoms, have your child lie down, and avoid dairy products.
- Your child’s diet should include clear liquids only for the first several hours after surgery (water, apple juice, ginger ale, Gatorade, etc.). Fluids are important to prevent dehydration. Your child’s first meal should consist of soft foods (soup, Jell-O, mashed potatoes, etc.) in moderate quantity. Once this is tolerated, he/she may gradually advance their diet to solid foods. If your child is diabetic, maintain his/her normal diet as much as possible, and follow the doctor’s instructions regarding their insulin schedule.
Please call our office immediately at (720) 606-4220, if your child develops any unexpected reactions. Call your anesthesiologist (see below) if your IV site becomes red and tender, if vomiting persists beyond 4 hours, if you develop a fever beyond 24 hours, or if any other matter related to your anesthetic causes concern.
- Dr Josh Jackstien: 801-550-4309 (Se habla español)
- Dr Celine Taller: 908-803-4880
- Dr Kris Smith: 303-881-4757
- Dr Sheila Aryana: 720-333-1681