The Facts About Child Tooth Extraction
At Simcoe Kids Dental we have our ways of making even a child tooth extraction stress-free. And while we will certainly only do extractions when absolutely necessary (even a child wisdom tooth extraction), when we have to do it, it’s really no biggie.
Of course, sometimes there is no getting around it: at some point a child tooth extraction may become a necessity. If a tooth is diseased or damaged beyond repair, sometimes the simplest, healthiest option is to remove it altogether. When this is the case, though, there is no need to panic!
Dr. Noah and our entire specially trained team at our pediatric dental clinic know exactly how to make the entire procedure stress-free, comfortable, and a calm experience for your child. We will guide you and your child all the way through the child tooth extraction, from the initial consultation to sedation options (and the best choice thereof for your child), to the actual procedure, post-procedure care, and follow-up visits.
Our ultimate aim? To ensure a positive experience for you and your child!
THE FACTS
WHEN IS A CHILD TOOTH EXTRACTION NECESSARY?
With proper oral care and dental hygiene, your child may never need a tooth extraction!
Even with perfect care, though, the need may arise, whatever the underlying cause. Even with baby teeth, which naturally start falling out around the age of 5, tooth extraction may become necessary earlier to preserve the health of the permanent teeth which lie beneath.
Possible reasons your child may require a tooth extraction include:
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- The baby tooth is decayed beyond repair, undergone trauma or injury, or has not fallen out naturally and is crowding the growth of new permanent (adult) teeth.
- The adult tooth is damaged beyond repair due to decay, trauma, or injury.
- The tooth is a wisdom tooth (see Child Wisdom Tooth Extraction below for more information) and is causing pain or overcrowding.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR A CHILD TOOTH EXTRACTION?
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- The extraction of a baby tooth typically requires much less effort, but it may require the use of a prosthetic tooth or another mechanism to act as a space-saver for the permanent tooth.
- Adult teeth extractions can be a little trickier as the roots run deeper, and it may require additional procedures such as dental implants. It also will likely include cutting the tooth, gum, or bone to get the tooth out, along with stitches to help the wounds heal quickly. For these reasons, adult tooth extractions should not be taken lightly and only done when absolutely necessary. To determine this, dental X-rays may be required. Once the final decision is made together with you and we agree to proceed, rest assured that the procedure will still be as stress-free as possible. At this point, we will also discuss the best possible sedation method to ensure a comfortable and trauma-free experience for all!
- After the child tooth extraction, our team will give you full, easy-to-follow instructions for proper care after minor oral surgery to ensure the success of the procedure and to keep your child happy and comfortable while they recover. Fortunately, the mouth heals very quickly, particularly in young kids, so even when you leave our offices there is no reason to worry. Plus you can always call us with any concerns.
WHAT ABOUT CHILD WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS?
One of the most common tooth extraction procedures we get asked about, and which we perform, is child wisdom tooth extraction.
These back molars typically only appear between the ages of 17 and 25, but they can sometimes make an appearance in the early teen years, and we can usually spot them (with the help of an X-ray) forming below the gum by the age of 12.
But why might your child need their wisdom tooth removed?
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- Wisdom teeth may become impacted with not enough space in the back of the mouth to come in normally, causing them to be stuck in the jawbone. This can cause significant pain and discomfort for your child.
- Wisdom teeth can sometimes come in at the wrong angle, pressing against other molars and potentially causing them to shift and even sometimes creating the need for braces.
- Your child may not physically have enough room for this final set of molars to come in at all.
- Wisdom teeth are prime spots for cavity and decay, which can lead to overall poor dental and oral health.
- If it looks like your child might need braces, we may recommend the pre-emptive wisdom tooth extraction to avoid spacing and tooth-shifting problems when they do come in. But don’t worry: Dr. Noah and our team will keep an eye on your child’s potentially pesky wisdom teeth at every regular dental appointment and will recommend an extraction only if absolutely necessary!
The Simcoe Kids Dental Difference
While a child tooth extraction can be a fairly invasive surgery, performed properly it really doesn’t need to be a traumatic experience!
At Simcoe Kids Dental clinic in Innisfil, we understand that nerves come standard with a visit to the dentist. Now throw words like ‘tooth extraction’ into the mix and we know just how scary that can be. Just understanding this means we have perfected the art of making your child comfortable and at ease at every dental visit, and during every procedure, no matter how invasive!
Our state-of-the-art pediatric dental clinic itself has been designed as a safe, fun space, and our staff is fully versed in keeping your kids distracted, entertained, and happy! We also offer affordable dental financing should you need it.
What’s more, every eligible dental procedure comes with a sedation solution that works for you and your child, taking into account their comfort and anxiety levels, their previous dental care experiences, and their current state of mind.
Tooth Extraction
Frequently Asked Questions
What to eat after a tooth extraction?
Only liquids and soft cool foods (like yogurt) are recommended following a tooth extraction. After the first 24-hours you can gradually introduce foods that are easier to chew since it may take several days to ease back into your normal diet.
How long does pain last after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction it may take up to 3 days for the pain to go away. The time will vary depending on which tooth was extracted because the roots of your teeth are not all the same length.
Can I use mouthwash after a tooth extraction?
No, do not use mouthwash after a tooth extraction. Instead, use salted lukewarm water 3 or 4 times a day to rinse your mouth. Warm, salted water will help minimize the risk of dislodging the blood clot, which is essential for proper healing.
How long does it take a tooth extraction to heal?
It can take up to 10-days for a tooth extraction to completely heal as long as the blood clot remains in place.
When can I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?
Do not brush your teeth within the first 48 hours after a tooth extraction. Great care must be taken so you do not dislodge the blood clot, which is vital for healing. Instead of brushing, use warm salted water to rinse the mouth.