VA: 703-752-2200 | DC: 202-331-3474
Más de 30 años al servicio de las familias de McLean, Virginia y Washington, D.C.
Patient Instructions & Aftercare Guide
For detailed aftercare information following your child's procedure, find your treatment below. If you have any questions or concerns after your visit, don't hesitate to call us.
Local Anesthetic (Numbness)
This applies after any procedure where your child received a numbing injection — fillings, extractions, crowns, or other restorative work.
How long numbness lasts: Your child's mouth — including the tooth, lip, cheek, and tongue on the treated side — will remain numb for approximately 2–3 hours after the injection. This is completely normal.
The most important thing to watch for: Many children are unfamiliar with the feeling of numbness and find it strange or alarming. Reassure your child that the "funny feeling" is temporary and will go away completely. More importantly — watch carefully to make sure your child does not bite their lip, cheek, or tongue while numb. Because they can't feel it, children can cause significant injury without realizing it. This is one of the most common post-appointment issues we see and it is entirely preventable with supervision.
Eating and drinking while numb: Only cold liquids and very soft foods until the numbness has fully worn off. Do not give your child anything hot to eat or drink — they won't be able to gauge the temperature properly. No chewing until feeling has returned completely.
When feeling returns: Some mild soreness at the injection site is normal once the numbness wears off and can last 1–2 days. Children's Tylenol or Motrin dosed for your child's weight can be used if needed.
When to call us: If your child accidentally bites their lip or cheek and the injury appears significant, contact our office — we can advise whether it needs to be seen. Soft tissue injuries from numbness-related biting usually heal on their own but can look alarming initially.
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Mild gum tenderness for 1–2 days is normal
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If fluoride was applied, avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing for 30 minutes
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Light bleeding after cleaning is normal — improves with consistent flossing
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Continue brushing twice daily and flossing once daily
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No dietary restrictions — your child can eat and drink right away
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Dark staining on the treated tooth is permanent and expected — it means it's working
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Any skin staining fades within 2–14 days on its own
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Mild gum irritation, if it occurs, resolves within 48 hours
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Eat and drink normally right away — no waiting needed
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Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods for the first 24 hours
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Bite may feel slightly different for a few days — this is normal
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Sealants protect chewing surfaces only — continue flossing between teeth
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Sealants last 3–5 years and are checked at every routine visit
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Numbness lasts 2–3 hours — supervise your child during this time
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Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days to weeks
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Avoid hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours
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Contact us if bite feels uneven after a few days or sensitivity worsens after two weeks
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Avoid sticky, chewy, and gummy foods for as long as the appliance is in place
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Do not allow your child to poke or play with the wire
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Brush normally around the band — plaque can accumulate there
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If the appliance loosens or falls out, save it and call our office
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Apply gauze with gentle pressure for 15–20 minutes after the procedure
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No spitting, rinsing, or straws for 2–3 hours after extraction
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Reduce activity level for 3–4 hours
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Cold soft foods for the first day — yogurt, smoothies, pudding, ice cream
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Avoid nuts, popcorn, and seeds until fully healed
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Children's Tylenol or Motrin as needed for discomfort
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White or yellowish appearance at the healing site for 1–2 days is normal
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Perform stretching exercises as demonstrated by Dr. Mohammadi — these are essential
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Infants can breastfeed or bottle feed immediately after the procedure
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Soft, cool foods for older children for the first 24–48 hours
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Children's Tylenol or Motrin as needed for discomfort
After nitrous oxide (laughing gas):
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Clears the system within minutes — no restrictions on eating, drinking, or activity
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Your child can return to school or normal activities immediately
After conscious oral sedation:
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Your child will be drowsy — plan for rest at home for the remainder of the day
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Soft foods and clear liquids only until fully alert
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No school, daycare, or physical activity until the following morning
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Do not leave your child unsupervised while any drowsiness remains
Questions After Your Visit?
If something doesn't seem right after your child's procedure, please call us. We would always rather hear from you than have you worry at home.
📞 McLean, VA: 703-752-2200 — Mondays 10am–6pm, Tuesdays 11:30am–6pm 📞 Washington, DC: 202-331-3474 — Wednesday–Friday 9am–5pm
Or email us at Contact@beverlypedo.com