There are multiple reasons why your child might be recommended for tooth extraction. While it might seem like a procedure that is only used for adults, there are instances when removing one or more teeth from young, developing mouths is crucial. Spend some time learning why a pediatric dentist will suggest this type of treatment and how you can prepare your child for what will be an effective way to improve their smile’s future.

Is Tooth Extraction Necessary for Children?

Not always, but in certain situations, yes, your child’s pediatric dentist will likely recommend tooth extraction.

As it is with any patient, no matter their age, having natural teeth remain in place as long as possible is best. However, this is not always possible, so when a dentist notices any of the following scenarios, you can expect that they will recommend tooth removal.:

• Your child is suffering from severe dental decay that is posing a threat to nearby healthy teeth and ultimately, their oral health.
• Your child’s primary teeth are not falling out on their own and need help to be removed before adult teeth begin to erupt.
• Your child has suffered a serious facial injury, and the damaged tooth is not viable to keep.
• Your child has crowded teeth but needs braces, and the only way to make room is to remove one or more teeth.

Are There Helpful Ways to Prepare a Child for Tooth Removal?

Yes, you can help your little one become less fearful of their upcoming procedures by taking these simple steps:

• Talking positively about the dentist, team, and procedure. Children often pick up on fear and anxiety in their parents, so it’s best to remain calm and provide reassurance, reminding them of how important it is to take care of their oral health.
• Show them pictures of the dentist’s office so that they become familiar with the people and environment they’ll be in for the procedure.
• Talk to the child’s pediatric dentist about sedation options, as this can reduce dental anxiety and keep them calm throughout treatment so that everyone can more effectively focus on the problem tooth.

What Kind of Post-Operative Care is Expected?

Once the procedure is complete, you’ll need to make sure that they don’t eat anything until the anesthesia and sedation wear off. You can provide an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize discomfort and use a cold compress to suppress swelling.

You’ll need to change out their gauze(s) to help stop additional bleeding, which is normal after returning home. Also, make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Helping them stick to soft foods initially and avoiding the use of a straw or spitting of any kind will lower the risk of possible dry sockets, which can occur when blood clots become dislodged.

Before you know it, your child will be back to feeling better much sooner than you realize. Although having your child go through this process isn’t easy, you can trust that your child’s dentist will only recommend it if it is completely necessary.

About the Authors
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are board-certified pediatric dentists who are fathers first. Offering tooth extractions for some of the most severe cases, they can ensure all patients are comfortable while in the dentist’s chair. Whether caused by dental decay, facial trauma, or overcrowding, we can make healthier smiles a possibility with tooth extraction. Visit our website or call (469) 301-3212 to find out how we can better assist in improving your child’s dental health.