Postoperative Care

Oral Care after Local Anesthetic

Local anesthesia to the lower jaw will most likely cause the tongue, teeth, lip, and surrounding tissue to be numb, while anesthesia to the upper jaw will put the teeth, lip, and surrounding tissue to sleep. When you take your child home after a procedure requiring local anesthesia, please keep the following in mind:

• Keep a close eye on your child for at least two hours after treatment.
• Remind your child that their face is numb and that they should avoid chewing, scratching, or sucking on the area, as this could cause irritation or abrasions.
• Limit your child to liquids and soft foods until the numbness has subsided.