You’ve gotten bad news: your little tyke is going to need to have a baby tooth removed. Both of you might be nervous and wondering why it’s necessary at this early stage of their life and how to get your child through the process. Luckily, this article contains discussion about why extraction is sometimes required, how to prepare your child for the procedure, and how to care for them when it’s all done.
What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the removal of a natural tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, so your child is comfortable, and then loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and use forceps to take it out of its socket. It is a common dental procedure, with 20 million teeth extracted per year in the U.S.
Why is Baby Tooth Extraction Sometimes Necessary?
When your child reaches elementary school-age, their primary (baby) teeth will begin to loosen and come free. These teeth give way to their permanent teeth that are meant to last through adult life. However, sometimes there are issues that require extraction of the baby tooth before the permanent one is ready to erupt, or come through the gumline. These complications may include:
- A tooth severely decayed that can’t be fixed by a filling or root canal.
- Overcrowding of teeth that could lead to problems in jaw development.
- A fractured tooth that cannot be repaired.
- Preparation for braces.
In general, dentists will only recommend extraction when there are no other available options.
How Can I Prepare My Child?
Many parents are hesitant to talk to their child about tooth extraction because they can’t do it in a way that won’t scare them. Visit with your pediatric dentist and their staff to learn effective ways to broach the subject. After all, they’re specialists! Relay that information to your child so that they aren’t surprised by anything and less anxious when the day comes. And remember, ice cream can always be used as a bribe!
What if My Child is Severely Anxious?
For kids who deal with a great amount of fear when it comes to a dental visit, there are methods of sedation that can ease their anxiety heading into a procedure.
- Nitrous oxide: This is a common method known as “laughing gas” that’s administered via a small mask over the patient’s nose. It produces a light, euphoric feeling, making those anxious feelings disappear.
- Oral conscious sedation: For older kids who need more extensive work or have trouble sitting in a chair for a long time, the dentist can give your child anti-anxiety medication prior to treatment that will deeply relax them. They’ll likely stay awake, but their memories will be a bit fuzzy.
- General Anesthesiology: This method is ideal for children with special needs, intense phobias, or who need several complex treatments done in one visit. They will sleep through the treatment and have no memories of it upon waking. The pediatric dentist, as well as a pediatric anesthesiologist will review your child’s medical history to make sure it’s safe and monitor vital signs during the procedure.
How Do I Care for My Child Afterwards?
After extraction is complete, you’ll need to tend to your child in several ways:
- Change their gauzes out every 20 minutes until bleeding subsides.
- Ice the outside of their face near the extraction area for about 20 minutes at a time.
- Give them over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they complain of discomfort.
- Feed them soft foods for the first 24 to 48 hours after the treatment.
- Don’t let them drink through straws as it could dislodge the essential blood clot at the extraction site.
No need to fret – tooth extraction, though a last resort, is a very common procedure with ways to prepare for it that ensure you and your child feel comfortable throughout the treatment process.
About the Practice
When it comes to your kids, only the best will do – that’s why Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen has board-certified pediatric dentists who can perform tooth extraction on your little one using relaxing sedation options and a personalized approach to their care. We also offer a range of other services including preventive, restorative, and emergency dentistry for kids. Visit us online or call our office at (469) 663-0098.