Why Do We Need To Offer Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a procedure that involves carefully and gently removing a tooth from the smile. While our team strives to restore teeth and protect your child’s smile from tooth loss, sometimes removing a tooth is necessary. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about when kids need a tooth extraction.
The Reasons for Extracting a Tooth
When does a child’s tooth need to be extracted? If a case of tooth decay and/or infection is beyond treatment with a restoration or pulpotomy, then removal could prevent infection from reaching other parts of the smile. We could take out teeth too damaged to be repaired as well. Sometimes, extraction could make room for orthodontic treatment, or aid in the improvement of overall bite balance and chewing function. If a baby tooth fails to fall out on time, we could remove it to help prevent misalignment from developing.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Our team wants to make sure the process is a comfortable one for your children. We will numb the area where the tooth is being removed, and we can also offer dental sedation. The treatment option we chose will be based on multiple factors, including your child’s age, medical history, and anxiety levels. Once they’re comfortable, we will loosen the tooth and remove it with a pair of forceps. In many cases, the whole procedure can take as little as 30 minutes!
Recovery
Our team will provide prescriptions for any necessary medications, and also detailed instructions to help the area heal quickly. We urge kids not to use straws, to be gentle when brushing and flossing, and to avoid prodding the site with their tongue. We want a clot to form and stay in place as part of the healing process. For the first day, kids should eat soft foods and avoid activity, resting until the site heals. With these detailed post-op directions, we can help your child stay comfortable and enjoy a healthy smile!
If you have any questions about how we extract a tooth, or the situations that call for it, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help children of all ages in our community enjoy optimal oral health for years to come!
Speak With Your Dallas, TX, Pediatric Dentist About Helping Your Child’s Smile
If you would like to help your little one enjoy good oral health and a stronger smile, or to schedule an appointment for a tooth extraction, we invite you to contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880. Our team can handle oral health issues both minor and complex, so your children enjoy their best possible smile.
filed under: Restorations for Kids