Why Would My Child Need a Tooth Extraction?

Anytime a child is experiencing an oral problem, the first thing that a dental professional will do is let the parents know their options for treating the problem; a tooth extraction is always the last treatment to be considered. The dentist will consider all other options before deciding to remove the child's tooth.

About tooth extractions

Parents may think that their child needs a tooth extraction, and the only way to know for sure is by making an appointment with a dental professional for a full evaluation of their mouth.

There are two different types of extractions that a child may need to undergo: simple and surgical. A simple tooth extraction requires extracting a tooth that is already grown in and visibly present. A surgical tooth extraction requires the need to extract a tooth that is either partially or fully impacted. Anytime that a child needs one or more of their teeth extracted, it is essential for parents to follow the dentist's instructions so their child can expect a full and successful recovery.

Common reasons for tooth extractions in children

The following is a list of reasons that a dental professional will need to extract a child’s tooth vs. treating it.

Too much tooth decay

A common reason for extracting a child’s tooth from their mouth is because there is too much decay present. While it is possible to save a child’s tooth that has decay, when there is too much decay, the tooth gets so weak that it is likely to break. According to the Centers for Disease Control, tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases.

An accident that severely damages a tooth

When a child is involved in an accident, it is possible for their tooth to get so severely injured that a dentist must extract it from their mouth. Common childhood accidents that can lead to tooth extractions include car accidents, sports injuries, and falling when riding a bike.

To support necessary orthodontic treatment

When a child’s baby teeth do not fall out when they are supposed to or when dental crowding is becoming an issue, they will often need to have one or more teeth extracted.

What happens during a child's tooth extraction?

Children may feel anxious before having a tooth extracted, although the process is often simpler and less invasive than it is for adults. The dentist will recommend an X-ray test to examine the tooth's roots and bone first. Local anesthetics are usually enough for a simple extraction. The dentist will typically extract the tooth with a forceps by twisting it in the socket to loosen the periodontal ligaments holding it in the jawbone.

In cases of more complex extractions, it may be necessary to cut away part of the gum tissue to get access to the tooth. Nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation is often used for these kinds of procedures.

Aftercare for tooth extraction

It is important to reassure the child that some bleeding is to be expected after having a tooth removed. Immediately after tooth extraction, the dentist will pack the socket with sterile gauze. A few tiny sutures may be necessary to aid in the healing process after extraction.

Do not rinse for the first 24 hours to enable the protective clot to develop. Then, rinse the area with saltwater to keep the area clean and alleviate any discomfort. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve pain, and parents can apply ice on the jaw to reduce slight swelling. If the child develops a fever or there is any unusual swelling, parents should make an appointment with the dentist.

To keep the extraction site clean and the protective clot in place, the child should consume soft meals for the first few days and avoid hard or crunchy foods for at least a week. The child needs to drink plenty of water for hydration and a clean mouth.

Do you need to make an appointment for your child now?

Do you need to know if tooth extraction is a necessary dental procedure for your child? The only way to know for sure is by making an evaluation appointment. The longer you wait to find out the status of your child’s teeth, the more difficult it will be to perform any necessary dental procedures. If you have any questions right now, we invite you to contact us so we can provide you with the answers that you need. We care about your child and their overall good dental health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

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