You know your child is going to one day naturally lose those cute baby teeth. But hearing that a tooth extraction is needed is an entirely different story. After all, the idea of having the dentist pull a tooth out of your child’s mouth can be scary and overwhelming.
Parents, take a deep breath and know this: tooth extractions happen far more often than you may realize. And they are very much a quick, routine procedure. Knowing that your pediatric dentist’s goal is to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, recommending that a tooth be removed is not a decision that is taken lightly. Rather, it is to protect your child’s oral health.
So, when is a tooth extraction necessary for kids? Let’s talk about it.
Severe Tooth Decay
Cavities are common among children, with most being treated with a filling or a dental crown. However, there are times when decay can become too extensive. It reaches deep into the tooth structure in a way that makes saving the tooth with restorative treatments impossible.
An extraction can get rid of pain, stop the spread of infection, and still protect the development of permanent teeth.
Dental Abscesses
A cavity that is left untreated can turn into a dental abscess. This is a painful infection that forms around the tooth’s gum tissue or beneath the tooth. They can be very dangerous if the infection spreads, making proper treatment essential.
A dental abscess can be addressed in various ways, such as with a pulpotomy or a dental crown. If the infection is too advanced, an extraction is the safest way to deal with the tooth while ensuring your child remains healthy.
Broken Tooth or Severe Trauma
Kids are active and busy, running from here to there, roughhousing, playing sports, and more. For many, it is just a matter of time before one hard tumble leads to a broken, cracked, or fractured tooth. If restorative treatment is not available, the next step is often an extraction, reducing pain and risks of complications.
Overcrowding or Orthodontic Needs
When a child has too many teeth or baby teeth that never fell out naturally, the extraction of one or more may be necessary. This will ensure that overlapping, overcrowding, or alignment issues do not become an issue. Further, the extra space increases the success of orthodontic treatment.
Impacted Teeth
The eruption process for adult teeth usually happens without issue, but there are times when an impacted tooth or a partially erupted tooth may require attention.
Teens can find themselves with impacted wisdom teeth that require removal, whereas younger kids may have an adult tooth that becomes stuck beneath the gumline. Whether it is due to pain or disruption of other teeth, an extraction can be the perfect solution.
What Can Your Child Expect During a Tooth Extraction?
We understand that the idea of having a tooth pulled isn’t necessarily anyone’s idea of fun. That’s why our team goes above and beyond to ensure your child is comfortable and the procedure is gentle.
The area will be numbed using a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. Those young patients who are extra nervous may benefit from sedation options, such as nitrous oxide—laughing gas. This will be discussed with you before the treatment.
It only takes a few minutes to extract a tooth, and it doesn’t leave behind much discomfort. Recovery instructions will be provided to give the greatest chance of healing, with most kids feeling back to normal in a day or so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my child eat after an extraction?
Soft foods only for the first 24 hours, such as smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, tofu, or scrambled eggs. You will want to keep them away from crunchy, hard, or sticky/chewy foods until the area has healed. Again, be sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided.
How can future extractions be prevented?
A good oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, is so important. Every six months, routine dental visits for professional cleanings and exams can reduce the risks of decay and infection. Any areas of concern can be addressed before they have time to spread too deeply.
Orange County Pediatric Dentistry is committed to providing gentle care that supports healthy, confident smiles. If your child is experiencing dental pain or you have been told they need an extraction, contact us today to schedule a visit. We are always happy to help.