A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Teeth are usually extracted because they are damaged, decayed, or overcrowded.

Tooth extraction can be intimidating for kids, but it’s a routine procedure that’s necessary for maintaining good oral health. A Youth Dental, we do everything we can to make it a comfortable and stress-free experience.

Five Reasons Why a Tooth is Pulled

There are several reasons why a tooth might require extraction, including:

1. Severe tooth decay: If a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved with a filling or crown, it may need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading.
2. Overcrowding: In some cases, teeth may need to be removed if there is not enough space in the mouth. When baby teeth do not fall out on their own or wisdom teeth start to come in, it can cause crowding.
3. Infection: If a tooth becomes infected, it may need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or parts of the body.
4. Impacted teeth: An impacted tooth cannot fully emerge from the gums. This most commonly occurs with wisdom teeth and can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth if left untreated.
5. In preparation for a dental implant: A severely damaged tooth sometimes can’t be saved and will require extraction. In this case, a dental implant can be used to replace the missing tooth. Young adults who have completed puberty can receive dental implants, but the procedure is not recommended for growing children.

When a Child Needs a Tooth Extraction

A child’s tooth may need to be removed for a few reasons. Sometimes, surgical extractions are necessary because baby teeth don’t fall out on their own. 

Baby teeth typically start to fall out around age 6, but they can sometimes become loose much earlier or much later. Baby teeth are like space savers for the permanent teeth growing behind them. If a baby tooth does not fall out on its own, it may need to be extracted so that the adult tooth can come in.

Children’s teeth that are badly decayed or infected may also need to be extracted. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain and infection. Infection in the tooth can spread and cause dangerous complications, so it is important to treat it right away.

Tooth extraction in a child should be a last resort and only done when necessary to improve your child’s oral health.

Sedation Options for Pediatric Tooth Extraction

There are a few different sedation options available for extraction. The type of sedation your child receives will depend on the complexity of the procedure, their level of anxiety, and the dentist’s preference.

• Local anesthetic:  This is the most common form of anesthesia used for a simple extraction. It numbs only the area around the tooth to be extracted, and your child will remain awake during the procedure. 
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): This sedation option can help calm a child’s nerves and reduce discomfort during the procedure. The effects wear off quickly after the procedure is complete.
• IV sedation: For more complex extractions or highly anxious children, IV sedation may be recommended. This form of sedation allows the child to sleep throughout the procedure. It is also useful for children with special needs who may have a hard time sitting still or cooperating for long periods.

Is Sedation Safe for Kids?

Yes, sedation is safe for kids when done by a trained professional. Dr. Tasos Belegratis has specialized training IV sedation, so you can rest assured your child will be in good hands, 

Your dentist will carefully choose the type of sedation based on their age, weight, and level of anxiety. Your child will require a medical exam from their general practitioner to make sure they are in good health. Any pre-existing medical conditions will be communicated to their dentist. 

Tooth Extraction Procedure

The tooth extraction procedure is usually pretty straightforward. If sedation is required, it will be administered before beginning the procedure. The dentist will numb the area around the tooth with local anesthetic. 

Once the tooth is numb, they will use a tool to loosen and remove the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, they may need to make an incision in the gum to access and remove it.

After the tooth is removed, the tooth socket will be cleaned. A gauze pad will be placed over the empty socket to help stop the bleeding. Stitches may be used, but this is not always necessary.

Is it Safe?

Tooth extraction is a safe procedure, but there are always risks with any surgical procedure. The most common complication is pain and discomfort after the procedure. Bleeding and swelling are common after tooth extraction and are easily managed with pain medication and ice packs.

More serious complications can occur, such as infection and damage to the surrounding teeth or the jawbone. These complications are rare and are more likely to occur if it is a complicated tooth extraction. 

Dos and Don’ts After Extraction

You can reduce the risk of complications by following the instructions provided by your dentist. Here are a few tips to help your child have a smooth recovery.

Do’s

1. Ensure your child rests: Help your child relax for the rest of the day after the extraction. Avoid strenuous activities that could disrupt healing or dislodge the blood clot in the extraction area.
2. Use cold compresses: Apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel to the face near the extraction site. Do this for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.
3. Follow a soft food diet: Give your child soft foods to eat. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or spicy that could irritate the extraction site.
4. Practice good oral hygiene: Gently brush and floss around the extraction site. Brush twice a day and floss at least once. Young children should not do this on their own or without parental supervision. 
5. Rinse with warm salt water: Carefully swish salt water to clear away food and bacteria. Do this several times a day, especially after eating.

Don’ts

1. Let your child rinse or spit forcefully: This could dislodge the blood clot in the tooth socket. 
2. Let your child drink from a straw: The suction could dislodge the blood clot in the extraction area.
3. Ignore prolonged pain or bleeding: If pain or bleeding persists for more than 24 hours after the extraction, contact your dentist immediately.
4. Let your teen vape or smoke tobacco or marijuana: Nicotine and marijuana delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Smoking or vaping decreases blood flow to the mouth and increases the risk of infection. It can also dislodge the blood clot, leading to pain and longer recovery time. 

When to Call the Dentist

You should call your dentist if you have any of the following concerns after your tooth extraction:

• Severe pain, swelling, or bleeding
• A bad taste in your mouth that does not go away
• Fever or chills
• Oozing or pus coming from the extraction site

Frequently Asked Questions