It’s not unusual for kids to lose their baby teeth. In fact, it’s a rite of passage!
But sometimes, a child’s tooth may need to be extracted, or pulled. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including:
1. Severe Decay
If your child’s tooth is severely decayed, an extraction may be necessary to prevent the decay from spreading to other teeth.
2. Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are those that have not erupted through the gum line and are stuck beneath the gum tissue. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. In some cases, an extraction may be necessary to remove an impacted tooth.
3. Orthodontic Treatment
If your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, an extraction may be necessary to create more space in the mouth for the teeth to be moved into their proper position.
4. Extra Teeth
Extra teeth, or supernumerary teeth, are extra teeth that grow in the mouth. They can cause crowding and may need to be extracted.
5. Infection
If a tooth is infected, an extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or to the rest of the body.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Tooth Extraction
Your child’s tooth extraction will be performed under general anesthesia, which means your child will be asleep for the procedure. This is usually done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.
If your child is having several teeth extracted at once, the procedure will be done under general anesthesia. If your child is having only one tooth removed, the procedure will be done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth.
Tooth extraction is a quick procedure. The tooth is removed in one piece. Your child’s mouth will be sore after the procedure, but the pain can be controlled with pain medicine.
Your child will need to take it easy for a few days after the procedure. Eating soft foods and avoiding hard or crunchy foods will help your child’s mouth heal.
Your child’s mouth will heal in a few days, and the tooth will be replaced with a new tooth in a few months.
How to Get Your Child Ready For Their Tooth Extraction
If your child needs to have a tooth pulled, the first step is to get them ready for the procedure. Talk to them about what to expect and make sure they understand what will happen. You should also plan for after the extraction. Here are some things you can do:
1. Schedule Time Off
Your child will likely need to take a few days off from school or work after the extraction. Make sure you have someone who can watch them so they can rest and recover.
2. Get Pain Medication
Your child will likely be in some pain after the extraction. Make sure you have pain medication on hand so they can take it as needed.
3. Get Ice
Ice can help reduce swelling and pain after the extraction. Make sure you have some ice packs ready to go.
4. Get Soft Foods
Your child will need to eat soft foods for a few days after the extraction. Make sure you have some easy-to-eat foods on hand, such as soup, apple sauce, and mashed potatoes.
5. Get a Mouthguard
If your child plays sports, they will need to wear a mouthguard for a few weeks after the extraction. Make sure you have one that fits well and is comfortable.
6. Get a Follow Up Appointment
Make sure you have a follow up appointment scheduled with the dentist. This is important to make sure the extraction site is healing properly.
Conclusion
It’s important to be aware of the different reasons why a kid’s tooth extraction may be necessary. While some of these reasons are more common than others, all of them can lead to serious complications if left untreated. If you think your child may need to have a tooth extracted, be sure to talk to their dentist or orthodontist right away.
If you are looking for a reputable pediatric dentist in Newton, MA, turn to Waban Dental Group. We are a group of seasoned dentists that can take care of any dental concern. Contact us now to request an appointment!
