Preparing for Your Child’s Oral Surgery

We know that it can be stressful to have your child undergo any dental procedure, but oral surgery can be especially anxiety-inducing. These procedures are performed every day in our office by our skilled dental professionals, but we know that parents still (understandably) get nervous. Luckily, there are a few things you can do in advance so that after your child’s procedure you only have to worry about cuddling!

Preparing for Your Child’s Oral Surgery

Below are a few things you may want to consider doing before your child’s oral surgical procedure:

• Follow Pre-Op Instructions – Before your child’s appointment is scheduled, you will be provided with pre-op instructions. This information will let you know how long your child needs to fast before his or her procedure, and if any other steps need to be taken in order for the surgery to be undergone safely.
• Have Pain Meds Available – It’s a good idea to have purchased pain medications or picked up any prescriptions your child will need, before he or she undergoes oral surgery. This will prevent the need to make a trip to the drugstore before going home.
• Prepare Post-Op Meals – For the first few days up to a week after your child’s procedure, he or she will need to adhere to a diet of soft foods. Make sure you have soft foods on hand that your child enjoys, but avoid giving your child sugary drinks like soda or juice.
• Know the Signs of Infection – Finally, it’s a good idea to know the signs of infection. You will be provided with post-op instructions that will help you identify infection, but the most important things to look out for is fever, swelling, redness, or intense pain.

If you’re worried about your child’s upcoming oral surgical procedure or if you’re noticing signs of infection following your child’s procedure, please contact Firestone Pediatric Dentistry. Our child’s dental office is located here in Firestone, Colorado.