The loss of a baby tooth can be a thrilling milestone for children, as it often signifies a visit and potential reward from the Tooth Fairy. In most cases, baby teeth fall out naturally or can be easily removed with a gentle wiggle. However, there are instances when a child may need to have a baby tooth extracted or a permanent tooth pulled. This may be due to damage or decay beyond repair, overcrowding in the mouth, or other dental issues.
Why Would a Child Need a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions may be necessary for children for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons for baby tooth extraction include tooth decay that is too severe to be repaired, infection or abscess, crowding of the teeth, baby teeth that fail to fall out before permanent teeth come in, a chipped or damaged tooth from disease or trauma that is beyond repair, or to prepare for orthodontic treatment. Baby tooth extraction treatment plans can be a necessary procedure to maintain good oral health and prevent further dental problems. It’s important to consult Dr. Jordan Jones to determine if a baby tooth extraction is necessary in your child’s specific case. Dr. Jones will be able to assess your child’s individual situation and advise on the best course of action.
Consequences of Avoiding An Extraction
If a child is in need of a pediatric tooth extraction and doesn’t receive one, it can cause an array of problems. The tooth may continue to decay and cause pain for your child. It can also cause problems with the surrounding teeth as they may shift to try to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. This can not only lead to further dental issues such as crooked teeth or bite problems, but if the tooth is infected the infection can spread to other parts of the body which can be serious and even life-threatening. It’s important to have a pediatric tooth extraction if necessary, in order to prevent these problems.
Our Tooth Extraction Process
While similar to the tooth extraction for adults, our pediatric tooth extraction process can be modified based on the age and development of the child. Our pediatric tooth extraction three to 10 year old patient process is handled with compassion and is minimally invasive. Before the baby tooth extraction, Dr. Jones will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic of nitrous oxide. This will help minimize any discomfort during the procedure and help create a calm, relaxing environment. Once numb, Dr. Jones will loosen the tooth and carefully remove it from the socket. If the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, it may need to be broken into smaller pieces before it can be removed. Once the tooth has been extracted, Dr. Jones will place a piece of gauze over the empty socket and have your child bite down on it to help stop any bleeding. Dr. Jones will then go over post-procedure instructions to follow such as getting adequate rest and avoiding hard or chewy foods for a few days after the extraction to allow for proper healing.
