Post-Op Instructions
for Space Maintainers
A space maintainer is a dental appliance used to maintain space in the mouth after a primary (baby) tooth is lost prematurely due to decay, trauma, or other reasons. This ensures that there is enough space for the permanent teeth to come in correctly. Here are the key post-op care instructions for your child after getting a space maintainer:
1. Eating & Drinking
- Avoid sticky, chewy foods (such as gum, caramel, taffy, and sticky candies) for at least 24 hours after the placement of the space maintainer.
- After the first day, continue to avoid hard and chewy foods for a while to prevent damage to the appliance.
- Encourage your child to eat soft foods (like yogurt, mashed potatoes, pasta, etc.) during the first few days.
2. Oral Hygiene
- It is important to brush and floss around the space maintainer just as you would with normal teeth. Make sure to clean around the wires and bands to avoid food buildup and plaque.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the appliance and the gums.
- For flossing, you can use a floss threader to pass the floss between the appliance and the teeth.
- If your child uses mouthwash, ensure it is alcohol-free, as alcohol-based mouthwashes may irritate the gums.
3. Discomfort or Sensitivity
- Mild discomfort or sensitivity is common during the first few days after the placement of the space maintainer.
- If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help manage the discomfort. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions provided by your dentist or pediatrician.
4. Appliance Care
- Check the space maintainer regularly to make sure it is secure and hasn’t come loose. If your child complains of discomfort or if the appliance is loose, broken, or causing irritation, contact the dentist right away.
- Do not remove the space maintainer on your own, as it could cause shifting of other teeth and interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth.
- Avoid playing with the appliance by touching it with fingers or the tongue to reduce the risk of it loosening.
5. Potential Issues to Watch For
- Discomfort or soreness in the mouth is normal right after placement, but if it persists, please contact the dentist.
- Rubbing or irritation of the gums around the space maintainer is possible. If it continues, the dentist may adjust the appliance to avoid irritation.
- If your child experiences difficulty chewing, it could be due to the space maintainer not fitting properly. Check with the dentist if this occurs.
- Loose or broken space maintainers should be fixed immediately, as they may cause discomfort and prevent the teeth from staying in their correct position.
6. Regular Dental Visits
- Ensure your child attends regular follow-up appointments to monitor the space maintainer and check the alignment of their teeth.
- The space maintainer will typically be removed once the permanent tooth begins to erupt or the space is no longer needed.
7. When to Contact the Dentist
Contact your dentist if:
✅ The space maintainer becomes loose, broken, or damaged.
✅ Your child has severe pain or discomfort that doesn’t improve after a few days.
✅ The appliance is causing irritation or cuts in the mouth that do not heal.
✅ There are signs of an infection (redness, swelling, pus).
Space maintainers help ensure that permanent teeth have enough space to come in correctly, so it’s important to care for them properly. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist! 😊
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