While tooth extractions aren’t exactly fun, they are sometimes a necessary step to preserving your child’s oral health. However, you may wonder why a baby tooth would need to be removed when it is supposed to fall out eventually anyway. Here’s a brief guide to why it might be necessary to remove one of your child’s baby teeth as well as a quick overview of how you can help them heal afterward.
Why Would a Baby Tooth Need to Be Removed?
While children are supposed to start losing their first set of teeth (also called primary or baby teeth) when they are around elementary school age, this should only happen because the adult teeth are emerging. A few issues that can make it necessary to remove these teeth sooner than that include:
- Severe decay that cannot be addressed with a restorative treatment
- Overcrowding that can interfere with proper jaw development
- The tooth is damaged beyond repair
- A few baby teeth must be removed so the mouth has enough room for orthodontic treatment
Pediatric dentists typically only recommend removing baby teeth as a last resort, so you can rest assured that an extraction is the best course of action for your child’s oral health if their provider recommends it.
How Can I Assist My Child While They Are Recovering?
Anticipating a tooth extraction can be stressful for many children, so it may be best to allow your pediatric dentist to explain it to your little one before their procedure. After your child’s tooth has been removed, they will probably experience some discomfort, and your dentist will prescribe pain medication or recommend an over-the-counter brand. Remember to keep the gauze over the wound until the bleeding stops and have them keep their head elevated while resting to reduce the blood pressure in the healing tissues.
It’s also crucial to ensure that your child drinks plenty of water while sticking to a soft diet of foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, and steamed veggies when they are healing. Drinking through a straw after a tooth extraction can lead to a severely painful condition called dry socket, so make sure that they drink directly from a cup or bottle.
While having a baby tooth extracted can be daunting, it isn’t the end of the world. By adhering to your pediatric dentist’s aftercare instructions, you can help your child achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that lasts for life.
About the Practice
Sheer Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers the finest oral health services available to children in Frisco. Led by Drs. Sage Yoo and Justin Chan, the staff sees to each patient receiving genuine compassion and effective treatment in a clean and child-friendly environment. Areas of expertise include pediatric general dentistry, endodontic therapy, and dental sedation as well as extraction services. To learn more about the extraction process for children, contact the office online or dial (972) 987-0787.
