🦷 Dental Aftercare
Pulpotomy Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for pulpotomy: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
Typical recovery: about 5 daysDental
What to expect
Pediatric Note
- •This procedure preserved the baby tooth nerve to keep the tooth healthy until it falls out naturally
- •If a permanent tooth, additional treatment (full root canal) may be needed later
Pulpotomy recovery, day by day
Day 0 (Procedure Day)
Numbness
- Numbness may last 1-3 hours
- Watch children carefully so they don't bite their lip, cheek, or tongue while numb
- Avoid eating until numbness fully wears off
Crown/Filling
- A stainless steel crown or filling was placed to protect the tooth
- It is normal for the bite to feel slightly different at first
- The crown will come out naturally when the baby tooth falls out
Day 1-3
Pain Management
- Mild discomfort is normal for 1-2 days
- Children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed by your dentist
- Offer soft, cool foods if the child is reluctant to eat
Oral Care
- Brush teeth gently, including around the new crown
- Resume normal brushing routine by day 2-3
- Monitor for any changes in the treated tooth
Day 4-5
Monitoring
- Any soreness should have resolved completely
- Watch for darkening of the tooth (may indicate treatment issue)
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointment
When to call your provider or 911
- •Swelling of the face or gums that gets worse
- •Fever above 101°F
- •The child complains of increasing pain after the first 48 hours
- •Tooth becomes very dark or a pimple/bump appears on the gum near the tooth
- •Crown or filling falls off
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 2
Discomfort resolves
Mild soreness should be gone
- Day 5
Expected recovery
Child eating and brushing normally
For clinics
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