Extractions

Here is some information related to your child having a dental extraction:

1. Bleeding from extraction sites is normal at the time of treatment. If your child does not suffer from a bleeding disorder, a clot will form in the extraction site in about 10 minutes.
2. Due to the presence of saliva in your child’s mouth, some minor oozing from the extraction site may seem to you like a lot of blood. Children also tend to continue spitting because of the uncomfortable taste of blood, so it may appear that the extraction area is still bleeding. If you are concerned, have your child bite firmly on a folded piece of clean gauze for about 15 minutes. This should stop any oozing of blood from the site. If bleeding continues, keep your child biting on the gauze for 30 minutes. Gushing blood that does not stop or bleeding that continues for several hours should be reported to our office.
3. Make sure that there are no irritants at the extraction site. Examples of these are drinking from a straw, eating hard foods or a child’s fingers probing the area. The formed clot may be dislodged and bleeding can occur again. If this happens, have your child bite firmly on a folded piece of clean gauze. Doing so should stop the problem promptly.
4. If needed, administer children’s Tylenol or Motrin for pain, carefully following the dosage instructions on the package.
5. For two days after the extraction, provide a soft diet for your child: mashed potatoes, soup, noodles, puddings and bananas. Carbonated drinks and straws (which can irritate the extraction site) should be avoided on the day of treatment.
6. Your child should not brush the extraction site for two days. The rest of the mouth should be cleansed well to avoid bacterial buildup.
7. Call the office if you have any questions about the extraction or the recovery from the procedure.