Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction for kids take different forms and can involve the removal of a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. Your child’s circumstances will determine what procedure is necessary to take care of their oral health in the best way and keep their smile strong. At Kid Grins, pediatric dentistry in Edina, MN, Dr. Mitchell Loeb and his team work to keep patients comfortable and happy during extractions so they can get the dental care they need.
Reasons a Child Needs a Tooth Extraction
Pediatric tooth extractions are a form of restorative dentistry, but teeth are only removed when necessary. Here are some of the most common reasons for tooth extraction in a child, often preceded by pain and discomfort, especially if there is infection:
- Severe tooth decay. Your pediatric dentist will always attempt to save a tooth with a composite filling or porcelain crown, when possible, but severe decay that reaches the pulp of the tooth may not be able to be restored and could cause an abscess which is dangerous for oral health and overall well-being.
- Injury or accident. Any damage inflicted on a tooth – whether caused by a sports injury, fall, or roughhousing – can lead to breaks or cracks in enamel that make infection more likely and affect the tooth beyond repair.
- Overcrowding. An orthodontist is likely to make the call on extracting a tooth because of overcrowding but your pediatric dentist will alert parents if their child’s mouth is not large enough to hold all their permanent teeth and adult teeth need more room to erupt correctly.
- Stubborn baby tooth. Some baby teeth just won’t come out easily. The roots of baby teeth dissolve and the adult tooth is meant to also push the tooth out to make room for itself. If a child or parent has difficulty getting the tooth out, they may need extraction help from their pediatric dentist.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Tooth Extraction
Your pediatric dentist focuses on gentleness, efficiency, and comfort for every young patient, especially those undergoing a tooth extraction. It can be a scary experience to lose a tooth, whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent one. Conversation, explanation, and patience from grown-ups and an experienced pediatric dental team help kids tremendously when they’re in this position or suffer from dental anxiety.
The tooth extraction procedure is straightforward, usually fast, and produces minimal discomfort with the right preparation. Here is what to expect:
- Anesthesia. The area is numbed with local anesthesia to eliminate pain. If a child is especially anxious or their extraction is complex, it’s a good idea to discuss sedation with your pediatric dentist.
- Extraction. When the area is number, the tooth is loosened from the socket using specialized instruments. It may be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal if extraction proves difficult. For baby teeth, your dentist may only need to tug with their fingers and gauze.
- Recovery. The child must bite down on gauze to stop the bleeding when the extraction is complete. Care instructions will be provided so the site can be tended to properly at home, heal, and avoid infection.
Get a Tooth Extraction in Edina, MN
Always contact your pediatric dentist if your child has severe tooth pain that doesn’t go away, swelling, pus or other signs of infection, or excessive bleeding. A pediatric tooth extraction is a routine procedure even though the result is a missing tooth. Without this repair, more serious dental problems will develop.
Dr. Loeb and his team are always ready to talk your child through any dental care to make it clear, easy to understand, and less daunting. Contact us to schedule an appointment, or if your child is experiencing a dental emergency.
