The Procedure Involved in Dental Extractions for Kids

The procedure involved in a pediatric dental extraction is surgical tooth removal of baby teeth. Tooth extraction becomes necessary if a child’s tooth is damaged because of injury or severe tooth decay. Dental extractions for kids is a standard pediatric dentistry procedure among children.

Performing child tooth extraction from the front of the mouth is straightforward than molar extractions because molars on baby teeth have only one root instead of multiple roots. Unfortunately, baby molars are also susceptible to dental extractions because they are vulnerable to cavities.

When Does Dental Extraction for Kids Become Necessary?

Some of the most common reasons for baby tooth extractions are the following:

Tooth Decay

A primary reason for dental extractions in kids is tooth decay. Primary teeth are vulnerable to this problem, which eventually results in extraction. The enamel on primary teeth is fragile and easily allows cavities to form on children’s molars. Moreover, children do not always follow appropriate dental care practices making their teeth more prone to decay. When the decay is left untreated, it leads to severe oral health conditions and infections. When children’s teeth become infected, the bacteria spread to other teeth to affect the developing permanent teeth.

Trauma or Injury

Trauma and injury are another reason for dental extractions among children. When baby teeth are chipped, cracked, or dislodged from the socket, the child is affected by increased sensitivity and socket pin. After considering the severity of the damage, the dentist may recommend pediatric pulp therapy or a dental crown to preserve the tooth. However, in many cases, the tooth is extracted and replaced with a space maintainer until the permanent tooth emerges.

Gum Disease

Pediatric periodontal disease is another reason for dental extractions in kids. When this condition is left untreated, it develops into a severe oral condition affecting the gums and jawbone. Harsh conditions result in receding gums and loose teeth. In such cases, dental extractions become necessary in the teeth do not fall out by themselves.

Dental extractions for kids are also necessary if the child has orthodontic treatment or has wisdom teeth impacted, causing pain and infections in the child’s mouth.

What Is the Procedure for Baby Teeth Extraction?

Before any dental procedures, x-rays are taken by dentists and oral surgeons of the child’s teeth and mouth to predict any complications. The images are to examine the position of the tooth roots and the surrounding bone structure.

Dental extractions for kids are generally performed under local anesthesia that does not render the child unconscious but merely stabilizes them. The local anesthesia is injected into the child’s mouth to numb the area and eliminate pain. The numbness lasts for a few hours. Dentists or oral surgeons may consider using sedatives or intravenous anesthesia for incredibly anxious children. General anesthesia is usually avoided for children, although some dentists may offer it.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure

After the child is entirely numb, the dentist uses small instruments to remove the tooth. Dentists carefully ensure the bone around the tooth is not damaged during the extraction procedure. After the tooth removal, the pressure is applied to the socket for about 20 minutes with a gauze pad. If the child requires it, sutures are also inserted.

If the extraction was for a child’s molar, the kid’s first dental in Roanoke, VA, provides space maintainers to ensure the child’s permanent teeth emerge correctly. These orthodontic devices prevent the shifting of the neighboring teeth into the blank space created by the extraction.

Tooth Extraction After-Care Tips for Children

Children also are affected by discomfort after the surgical process. They can, however, return to their everyday routines after a few days. The after-care tips provided by dentists for children are no different than those offered to adults.

Children are recommended over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics to reduce pain after the procedure and speed up recovery. Children may use ice packs on their cheeks tooth minimize swelling and discomfort during the healing period.

Parents are advised to monitor their children during the healing process. Children must avoid drinking from a straw or spitting vigorously to prevent dislodging the blood clot from the extraction site. The child must continue with regular dental hygiene practices by being careful to avoid the extraction site. Children do not require much time to recover from the procedure, and with proper dental care, the recovery from the extraction is often speedy.