Does My Child Need A Tooth Extraction?

Getting a tooth removed is a scary thought for both adults and children. For kids, it might be especially nerve-wracking because of their young age and anxiety about the dentist. At Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry, we understand this fear and strive to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. When would a child need a tooth extraction? What’s the process like?

When Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

If possible, we want patients to keep their natural teeth. However, there are certain situations where extraction is the best move for your child’s oral health. If a tooth has severe decay and a root canal can’t save it, we’ll opt to remove it. We also remove teeth in cases of severe dental trauma, dental disease, or if the tooth is disrupting tooth development. If extraction ends up being the best choice, we’ll always explain why we came to that conclusion.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extractions are not usually too complicated. We’ll first numb the area, so when the tooth is removed, your child feels pressure, but not pain. We also offer sedation and anesthesia options if your child struggles with more severe dental anxiety. If you believe this will make the process easier, please ask us about nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. Together, we’ll make a plan for what works best.

After the extraction, there will be some bleeding. Change the gauze every 20 minutes or so until a blood clot forms. To relieve pain, an over-the-counter medication helps. An ice pack will address any swelling. For the first day after the extraction, your child should stick to soft foods. Don’t give your child a straw! Sucking can dislodge the blood clot.

Tooth Extractions at Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry in San Antonio

Your child may not ever need a tooth extraction, but if they do, they’ll be in good hands. Our team has years of experience with extractions and knows how to make children comfortable during this procedure. If you have any questions about tooth removals or any of our other services, please get in touch today!