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Pediatric extractions are necessary for a few different reasons. The most common reasons include severe decay, injury, or positioning. If your child has impacted teeth, this is another reason an extraction may be needed. Finding out that your child needs an extraction can be stressful or scary, but talking to your child about the process can help.
Decayed teeth can cause infection or other issues. If your child’s tooth is badly decayed and a root canal can not save the tooth, an extraction may be needed. If your child has crowding, a tooth may need to be removed to make room for other teeth to erupt. This is very common in children who need braces, and typically done to prepare them for orthodontic treatment.
The process for visible teeth is typically easier because our doctor can simply numb the area with local anesthetic, and gently extract the tooth. If your child has an impacted tooth, this process requires gum tissue to be removed that is covering the tooth first in order to extract it. If the extraction is more complicated, we may refer you to an oral surgeon and recommend sedation.
After the tooth is extracted, we will provide gauze to stop any bleeding, and discuss how to care for the extraction area at home. If your child had their tooth extracted very early in development, we may recommend a space maintainer to help hold space for the permanent tooth to erupt in the future.
After your child’s tooth is extracted, we recommend biting on a gauze pad to help stop any bleeding. Once the bleeding is stopped your child should avoid sucking on a straw, or brushing their teeth next to the extraction site for at least 72 hours. This helps to prevent the blood clot from dislodging during the healing process.
Your child may have some sensitivity or pain around the extraction site, but this should subside after a day or so. Once the area is healed your child should return to their normal hygiene routine to keep their teeth healthy and free of plaque. If your child experiences any severe pain or bleeding, please call our office, and we will have you bring them in immediately.
If you are interested in finding out more about pediatric tooth extractions contact Gettysburg Dental Associates. Our doctors have years of experience in pediatric extractions, and always make our pediatric patients feel safe and comfortable. Our staff is trained to work with children, and we always strive to make every experience a positive one. Your child’s oral health is our priority, and we will always provide the highest level of care.
To schedule your child’s appointment with us, contact Gettysburg Dental Associates, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
