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 for 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
Keeping as many teeth as possible is always the goal, but sometimes extractions are needed to preserve your child’s oral health. When a child’s tooth is so severely decayed that even a baby root canal will not save the tooth, an extraction must be done. Periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth fracture, and injury to the teeth are also possible reasons for tooth extraction. Early removal of your child’s teeth might also be needed if they are crowding the adjacent teeth or blocking the wisdom teeth. Most baby teeth (primary teeth) fall out naturally, but they can be stubborn and start blocking the way for adult teeth. 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 Novocaine and gently wiggling the tooth free from the mouth. If the tooth is impacted, some surrounding gum tissue may need to be removed in order to access the tooth. In this case, your child will be referred to an oral surgeon to ensure their comfort during the extraction. The oral surgeon will discuss moderate or deep sedation as part of the extraction procedure.
After a baby tooth extraction procedure, space maintainers will likely be needed to preserve the space needed for the permanent teeth (adult teeth) to properly come in. This is an orthodontic treatment that can be completed in-office at a follow-up visit once your child’s mouth has healed from the extraction.
What to Expect After Tooth Extractions
After your child’s tooth removal, 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.
Schedule an Appointment
If your child is in need of a pediatric tooth extraction in Quincy, MA, you can trust us to provide gentle and professional care. Give our office a call today to schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Anderson and our friendly team.
Dr. Anderson
Dr. Michelle Anderson is a pediatric dentist board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.