Parent guide

Before & after your child's dental surgery

Everything you need to prepare for treatment day and to help your child recover comfortably at home.

Before surgery

Preparing for treatment day

Three things to get right. If any of them is missed, treatment may need to be rescheduled for your child's safety.

Within 30 days
Pediatrician visit
Your child sees their pediatrician, who completes the facility form from our forms page. Bring it with you.
The night before
Empty stomach
No food for 8 hours before treatment. Follow the drinking schedule below exactly.
Treatment day
Arrive early, together
A parent or legal guardian must be present. Bring a favorite blanket or toy.

Hours count back from your child's scheduled treatment time.

8+ hrs beforeLast food. After this, nothing to eat.

Until 4 hrs beforePlain Jell-O only

Until 2 hrs beforeWater only

Last 2 hrsNothing by mouth

Arrive early so check-in isn't rushed.
At least one parent or legal guardian must be present.
Give regularly prescribed medications as usual unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothes.
If you must bring another child, bring another adult over 18 to stay with them.

Fever, cough or congestion in the days before treatment? Call us at (917) 979-6579. Anesthesia may need to be rescheduled for safety.

(917) 979-6579 · OR@littlegrins.org

After surgery

Most children are ready to go home within about 30 minutes. Plan a quiet, restful day with an adult nearby.

First hours
Sips, then soft foods
Start with sips of clear liquids. When those stay down, move to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce or pasta.
While numb
Protect lips & cheeks
Lips and cheeks may stay numb for a few hours. Make sure your child doesn't bite or chew them.
Next day
Back to routine
Resume gentle brushing, including around new crowns. Most children are back to normal within a day.