Extractions
Having a tooth extracted can be difficult for a child when they don’t know what to expect. That is why it is important as a parent to understand what is involved so that you can prepare them for the procedure. Our staff will also explain the procedure to your child before we begin so that there are no surprises during the treatment.
Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
When a child’s tooth is so badly decayed that even a baby root canal will not save the tooth, an extraction must be done. A tooth could also be extracted if it is crowding other teeth, or is fractured beyond repair. When a child gets braces, they may also need to have some teeth extracted to allow the remaining teeth to move into their proper positions.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
If the tooth that needs to be extracted is visible and easy to remove, we will perform a simple extraction procedure. This involves numbing the treatment area with local anesthetic and gently wiggling the tooth free from the mouth. If the tooth is impacted, we must remove some surrounding gum tissue in order to access the tooth. In this case, your child will need to be numbed with nitrous oxide or via IV to ensure their comfort.
After your child’s tooth is extracted, we will have them bite on a piece of gauze until a blood clot forms and stops the bleeding. Any further bleeding will require you to change the gauze every 20 minutes until the bleeding stops. Over the counter or prescribed pain medication can be used to soothe any soreness your child experiences. Ice packs can also be used to decrease any swelling. It is recommended that only soft foods be eaten by your child for the first 24 hours after extraction. Click here to learn more. Also, your child should not drink from a straw, spit, or place their fingers in their mouth, as this could dislodge the blood clot.
If your child is in need of an extraction, you can trust us to provide gentle and professional care. Give our Quincy, MA office a call today to schedule your child’s appointment.
Dr. Michelle Anderson is a pediatric dentist board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
