Ensuring A Comfortable Tooth Extraction
When a baby tooth fails to fall out, or there needs to be room for orthodontic treatment, we could help with a tooth extraction. Our team takes time to ensure your little one enjoys their time in the office, and is comfortable throughout the procedure. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about tooth extraction.
When Teeth Need Extraction
An extraction could be necessary if a tooth is too decayed, infected, or damaged to be repaired with a crown, as otherwise the infection could spread to other teeth or move into the jawbone. We could also remove teeth to aid in orthodontic treatment, or to improve overall bite balance or chewing function in some cases. For older teens, we may extract wisdom teeth prior to their eruption to prevent impaction. Our team may also remove baby teeth that don’t fall out on their own, as this could lead to misalignment as the arrival of the permanent teeth is altered. When one is extracted, this is to address a serious issue that could threaten the smile as a whole unless addressed!
Preparing Little Smiles
To begin, we will take detailed digital x-rays, which use 90% less radiation and are available instantly to view chairside, so your child spends less time in the chair. The x-rays allow us to identify the position of the tooth and to plan removal to avoid blood vessels, sinus cavities, or nerve tissues. We will also talk about the procedure with your child so he or she knows what to expect. We will answer any questions or concerns too. To ensure your little one is comfortable, we can administer a local numbing agent to the area being treated. We can also choose from various sedation options to help your little one reach a calm state with little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
Removing Teeth
Once your child is comfortable and relaxed, we will gently extract the tooth in question with a pair of forceps. We will provide prescriptions for medications to help your child stay comfortable and to facilitate a complication-free healing period. We want a clot to form as part of the healing process, so we provide instructions on keeping clots in place as the area heals. Your little one should eat soft foods, avoid straws, and be very careful with brushing and flossing for the first day or two. If you have any questions about our approach to tooth extraction, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Next Checkup Today!
When necessary, our team can help your child avoid complications with a tooth removal. To learn more about our approach to restorative dentistry, then please contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Restorations for Kids