In most cases, children lose their teeth naturally. However, there are instances when we recommend a tooth extraction to help improve the oral health of your little one.
The reasons can vary, but what we want you to know is that we here at Desert Kids Dental only recommend a tooth extraction after we've tried everything possible to save the natural tooth.
Here are some of the most common reasons why we may recommend a tooth extraction:
If your child's tooth is so decayed that it cannot be saved anymore, then extraction is usually the only option. This is because the decay can spread to the roots of the tooth, cause an infection in the jaw bone, and lead to severe complications.
If there isn't enough room in your child's mouth for their adult teeth to erupt properly, then that could lead to crowding. We may recommend tooth extraction combined with orthodontic treatment to give your child a beautiful and straight smile.
A tooth may also need to be extracted if it has been severely injured. This can happen in the case of a traumatic injury, such as a sports injury, where the tooth is knocked out or fractured beyond repair.
It's important to understand that your child will be perfectly safe and comfortable during the procedure. Tooth extractions are simple, routine procedures that don't last more than a few minutes.
Your pediatric dentist will first numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to make the process painless. The tooth will then be gently rocked back and forth until it is loose enough to be removed.
After the tooth is removed, the dentist will place gauze over the extraction site to help stop any bleeding. They will instruct your child to bite down on the gauze for about 30 minutes to help stop the bleeding. You will also be given instructions for pain management and care for the extraction site.
The recovery process after a tooth extraction varies depending on the child's age and the reason for the extraction. Generally, your child should be able to return to normal activities within a few days.
Make sure that you don't give them any hard and crunchy foods for a few days. They also shouldn't drink through a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket after the tooth extraction.
It's normal for your child to experience some swelling and discomfort in the area around the extraction site. You can help reduce their pain by giving them over-the-counter pain medication or using cold compresses.
If your child needs to have one of their teeth removed, you can count on the team at Desert Kids Dental to provide excellent pediatric dental care.
Contact us today, tell us more about your problem, and we will provide all the information you need and help you book an appointment with one of our dentists.