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Dentistry/Dental work done on my 5 year old

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Expert: - 2/12/2009


Question
My husband brought my five year old to a pediatric dentist for a crown due to multiple tooth decays. We he got home I noticed that his upper lip was a bit swollen. After a couple of hours hip lips started to really enlarge. so I inspected the inside of his upper lips and found that it was badly bruised and the outer layer skin was not there. He is has a bit of a fever now. I cannot call the dentist because they are closed for the evening. What should I do in the meantime. And, is this natural, he is scheduled for another visit and I don't feel confident bringing him back to the same dentist. Please help ..thank you

Answer
I'm sorry that I could not respond sooner to this rather urgent matter. Hopefully, by the time you read this your son's lip has improved somewhat.
This in not a usual or normal consequence or reaction to treatment.  It sounds like it may be an allergic reaction or some kind of response to something that was used at the dental appointment.  Most of the time this is a self-limiting problem and will improve and heal over a period of a few days to a week or 10 days.  There's not much you can do to speed healing other than to keep the affected areas clean.  Avoiding spicy, acidic or irritating foods can also be helpful.  If it is an allergic reaction taking benedryl may help improve the situation somewhat.  With any sort of allergic reaction in the mouth, lips or face you need to watch for increased swelling and any difficulty with swallowing or breathing.  In that case immediate medical attention is necessary.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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