Recovery after dental treatment under general anaesthesia varies for each child, but at Paediatric Dental Home, we ensure parents have comprehensive guidance for post-operative care at both our Hoppers Crossing and Geelong locations.
Recovery Overview
Immediately following the procedure, your child will be monitored in a recovery area until they regain consciousness. It's normal for children to feel groggy, disoriented or emotional when waking up. Our experienced team provides reassurance and comfort during this transition period.
Most children can go home the same day, typically within 2 to 4 hours after the procedure is completed. Before discharge, our specialists will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your child's treatment. We recommend having a responsible adult present for the first 24 hours after the procedure to monitor your child.
In the immediate 24 hours following general anaesthesia, your child may experience drowsiness, mild nausea, irritability or a sore throat. These side effects are temporary and usually resolve within a day. We suggest offering soft, cool foods and ensuring adequate hydration, while avoiding hot foods until the numbness has completely worn off.
Activity should be limited for the remainder of the day, with no strenuous play or sports. Most children can return to school or childcare the following day, though some may benefit from an additional day of rest depending on the extent of their treatment.
Our Team Is Here for Your Family
For pain management, we provide specific recommendations based on your child's individual needs, typically including children's paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed.
Our team will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing and address any concerns you may have. We're always available to answer questions during the recovery period, and our specialists at both our Hoppers Crossing and Geelong dental practices provide after-hours emergency contact information.
Every child's recovery experience is unique, and our team is committed to supporting families throughout the entire process with compassionate, specialised care.