Should I Have My Child’s Tooth Extracted?

A dental extraction is pretty common among adults, but is it right for kids? In this blog, we will discuss more about tooth extractions for kids to help you make an informed decision.

Situations When Child Tooth Removal Is Necessary

Ideally, baby teeth should remain intact until they fall out on their own when the time comes. It is crucial to preserve the space for permanent teeth to ensure the alignment of your kid’s permanent teeth will not be affected. However, there comes a time when the dentist can suggest the extraction of the baby teeth. These situations include:

Severe Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can be prevented through fluoride treatment and dental sealants. If the decay attacks your kid’s teeth, the chances of saving it are always high. However, if the decay is too severe, the tooth may have to be extracted to stop it from spreading to the surrounding teeth.

Baby Teeth Failing to Fall On Time

Typically, most kid’s baby teeth fall out on their own when the time for permanent teeth comes. However, if the baby teeth don’t fall out at the right time, you should take your kid to the dentist for an extraction. Failure to that, the permanent teeth will grow underneath the baby teeth, which can seriously affect your kid’s smile.

Preparation for Braces

If your kid has to undergo orthodontic treatment, it is crucial to ensure that she has enough space in her mouth to achieve the perfect alignment. If she has more teeth than the jaw can carry, the dentist may recommend extraction of several back teeth to make space for the treatment.

Damaged Tooth

If your kid has broken her tooth beyond repair, it may have to be extracted as she waits for the permanent tooth to grow. If the damaged tooth is not extracted, it encourages bacteria buildup, and it is normally painful. For that reason, the damaged tooth is extracted and replaced with a temporary crown, which falls out on its own when the permanent tooth erupts.

Baby Tooth Extraction Procedure

The baby tooth extraction procedure is fast and painless. The dentist uses the simple extraction approach, which involves the use of tools such as forceps. Here’s the typical extraction procedure:

Radiography

First, the pediatric dentist will conduct x-ray scans to check for any serious complications with the tooth that cannot be seen with naked eyes. The images will also help the dentist identify the exact location of roots and jawbone structure.

Sedation

Then, the dentist will use the most suitable sedative drug to ensure your kid does not feel any pain during the extraction. Generally, local anesthesia is used. Your child will be asked to take the sedative drugs about an hour before the procedure since the drugs take some time before they take effect.

Extraction

The dentist will rock the target tooth from side to side until it comes off from the gums. She will be very careful not to damage your kid’s gums or jawbone.

Stopping the Bleeding

After extraction, blood will obviously come out from the gums. In most cases, the bleeding is not too severe, so no stitches are used to stop it. Typically, the pediatric dentist will apply a piece of gauze on the extraction site. He will then ask your kid to hold onto the gauze for about 15 to 20 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, the dentist will apply another piece of gauze until it stops.

Space Maintainer

To preserve the space for permanent teeth, the pediatric dentist will recommend a space maintainer after the extraction. However, if the extraction is for orthodontic treatment, a space maintainer may not be necessary.

Post Extraction Tips

Swelling and moderate pain are quite common after an extraction. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to manage this discomfort. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Give your kid the recommend painkillers to alleviate pain.
• Use the ice-cold compress technique on your kid to reduce any swelling or bleeding.
• Give your kid soft foods such as ice cream for the first few days.
• Ensure your kid does not take too hot foods and drinks during the first few days.
• Avoid sipping with a straw during the first 24-48 hours.

Luv Pediatric Dentistry

Talk to us if you are looking for a baby tooth extraction near you and let us help you. Our clinic is kid-friendly, and our services are of the highest quality. Book an appointment now.