If Dr. Greenhill, Dr. Jennison or Dr. Britt have recommended dental treatment for your child to be performed using general anesthesia at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the following information will help you in your preparation for the appointment.
Prior to your appointment:
Please notify us of any change in your child’s health. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
- You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
- Please dress your child in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
- You will receive information from Children’s Hospital on the appropriate time to show up for your appointment. They will also discuss with you regarding diet before surgery.
- The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the hospital or surgical site waiting room during the complete procedure.
Post-treatment instructions:
Today your child has had dental treatment under general anesthesia. It is very important that you follow these instructions carefully.
What to expect:
- Bleeding from the mouth if teeth have been removed.
- Feeling sick to their stomach. Vomiting may occur up to 4 hours after surgery.
- Pain in the mouth, jaw, or neck.
- Slight rise in temperature for 24 hours. ( 99-100 F)
- Your child may be sleepy for several hours after returning home.
Activity and Care:
Rest and quiet activities are important after surgery. Your child’s balance may be poor due to the medications given. Closely supervise any activity for the remainder of the day because your child may be sleepy. If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration.
If your child had teeth removed, avoid the use of a straw for 48 hours. You may want to place a towel over their pillow because of minor bleeding.
Diet:
Begin your child’s diet with clear liquids such as apple juice, water, Kool-Aid, Jell-O or Gatorade. You may increase their diet slowly to include milk and soft foods when tolerated. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
Medications:
If your child is able to take an acetaminophen product (Tylenol, etc), you may give it every 6 hours. In addition, you can also give children’s ibuprofen every 6 hours for pain as well. Avoid the use of Aspirin.
Seek Advice:
If vomiting persists beyond four (4) hours.
If the temperature remains elevated beyond 24 hours above 101 F
If there is difficulty breathing.
If any other matter causes you concern.
Call the office at 859-384-6050 if you need to talk with Dr. Greenhill, Dr. Jennison or Dr. Britt.
