Tooth Extraction
All pediatric dentists try to save your children’s teeth through preventative and restorative methods. But sometimes, baby teeth extractions are required. It may be due to an emerging permanent tooth or to resolve overcrowding in the mouth. In the case of a kids tooth extraction, the dentist calms your child and performs a painless procedure. The best dentists for kids are at Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry — in Woodbridge, New Jersey, Harlem, NY and the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Call for a consultation today.
What Is Tooth Extraction for Kids?
Kids lose their first teeth starting around the age of six. In most cases, the loose primary tooth falls out on its own as the adult tooth pushes through beneath it. Sometimes, however, tooth extraction for kids is a necessary preventative treatment to avoid future dental complications.
Regular dental check-ups identify dental problems early, allowing a top pediatric
dentist to take corrective action while it’s easier and less expensive. When your
child reports a toothache or other oral pain, the dentist evaluates the condition
of the tooth and may recommend a kids tooth extraction. The extraction leaves
sufficient space for the adult tooth without overcrowding.
The kid-friendly, board certified dentists at Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry — in
Woodbridge, New Jersey, the Lower East Side and Harlem in Manhattan — deliver exceptional dental services for your children, including preventive dentistry, restorative treatments, aesthetic procedures and orthodontic care.
Damaged baby teeth. Children love to play, which increases the risk of physical damage to their teeth. A badly damaged tooth that can’t be saved may require extraction to leave room for the permanent tooth emerging underneath it.
Tooth decay. Millions of children suffer from decayed teeth from too many sweet food and drink or from poor dental hygiene. Tooth decay may lead to permanent damage to your child’s teeth. Sometimes, an extraction allows the doctor to treat an infection that has extended into the gums.
Tooth decay. Millions of children suffer from decayed teeth from too many sweet food and drink or from poor dental hygiene. Tooth decay may lead to permanent damage to your child’s teeth. Sometimes, an extraction allows the doctor to treat an infection that has extended into the gums.
Severe gum disease. If your child suffers from inflammation in the gingival tissues, it may lead to discomfort, swelling, redness and bleeding in the gums. To prevent pediatric periodontal disease, your dentist must extract any loose teeth to treat the infection.
Your child’s dentist creates a treatment plan based on a thorough assessment. The dental specialists at Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in NJ and in NYC use specialized equipment for painless and efficient dental treatments. They do everything they can to save your child’s teeth, so baby teeth extractions are the final resort.
Your dentist offers a comprehensive list of guidelines to reduce discomfort for your child after the tooth extraction. Any discomfort is temporary. If the pain lasts more than 48 hours or the bleeding doesn’t stop, call your dentist’s office for follow-up care.
How Is a Baby Tooth Extraction Performed?
The procedure for children’s tooth extraction involves several steps, including:
Your pediatric dentist asks questions about your child’s past and present dental health, including any dental procedures performed.
The exam starts with a physical check-up, but the best pediatric dentists use the latest diagnostic equipment, including x-rays, to learn as much about your child’s oral health as possible. The assessment and imaging results help your dentist see the tooth root, unerupted permanent teeth and any damage to the gums.
To prevent any discomfort, your dentist likely administers local anesthesia in the form of a topical gel to numb the gum. An injection of local anesthetic near the tooth to be pulled may follow.
Using surgical instruments, your kids’ dentist removes the tooth carefully to avoid damage to the surrounding bone.
The dentist covers the tooth socket using sterile gauze and asks your child to bite on the gauze for 20 to 30 minutes to apply pressure and stop any bleeding.
An orthodontic device known as a space maintainer may be necessary if your child has a primary molar removed prematurely. The device allows the adult tooth to erupt properly without misaligning the surrounding teeth.
After the extraction, the child may experience some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor may prescribe applying an ice pack on the jaw,administering some anti-inflammatory pain medications or providing a diet of soft foods.
How Can Children Overco-me Tooth Extraction Fear?
Many children don’t communicate their dental problems for fear of the dentist. The fear of pain may lead to a delayed tooth extraction, overcrowded or crooked teeth, gum disease and other dental issues. Ways to help your child overcome the fear of tooth extraction include:
- Choosing a pediatric tooth extraction practice. A pediatric dentist knows how to work with children to make them at ease before any procedure.
- Explaining the procedure. By explaining to your child every step of the dental procedure and the tools used, your child may feel more at ease.
- Offering family support. If you take your child to your dental appointments, your child sees how you act and may not feel worried about a kids tooth extraction.
The dentists at Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry have the experience to make children feel relaxed. These dentists offer comprehensive dental solutions, including a pediatric tooth extraction, when necessary. Contact the best kids’ dentists today for your first visit.
