Although dentists try to restore teeth that sustain damage due to an accident or decay, there may be times that extractions are necessary. Even damage to baby teeth may lead to them being extracted because they are not salvageable.

Our dentist at LUV Pediatric Dentistry in Sunrise, FL, will explain why an extraction is necessary and help you select a replacement for a permanent tooth.

Losing Baby Teeth

While baby teeth usually fall out on their own or, sometimes, with the help of a string and doorknob, a baby tooth that isn’t falling out on its own may require an extraction. Removing the tooth makes way for the permanent one to erupt through the gum and prevents it from getting impacted.

With the aid of an anesthetic to help numb the tooth and mouth, the extraction should be virtually painless.

Reasons to Take Out Permanent Teeth

If your child is older and has their permanent teeth, then the main reasons that a dentist will opt to extract teeth are:

• The tooth is severely damaged
• The tooth is badly
• The tooth is impacted
• To make come room for orthodontic treatment
• To remove overcrowded teeth

After examining their teeth, our dentist at LUV Pediatric Dentistry in Sunrise will consult with you about removing your child’s tooth and replacing it with a crown, bridge, or dental implant.

Replacing the Tooth

After extraction takes place, it is imperative that the missing tooth gets replaced. If it’s a baby tooth, then it won’t need replacing because soon, a permanent tooth will take its place. However, if the tooth extracted is permanent, then it should get replaced.

If the space where the tooth existed is not filled, then surrounding teeth will gravitate toward that space, causing the other teeth to tilt. The displacement of teeth can lead to decay as it can be difficult to brush away plaque and tartar that forms on them. However, a replacement tooth can prevent further damage from occurring.

If your child breaks a tooth or has one with severe decay, consult with our dentist at LUV Pediatric Dentistry in Sunrise, FL, to get the best advice about what to do for the tooth and your child’s dental health.