Tooth Extractions Treatment in Roanoke, VA
While preserving the baby teeth is always our goal, it is sometimes necessary to extract a tooth because it is damaged, diseased, or affected by severe tooth decay or trauma. In fact, tooth extraction is one of the most common dentistry procedures for children.
Early childhood cavities are the number one leading health issue for children today. Baby tooth enamel is not as strong as the enamel on permanent teeth, so it is much easier for decay to set in and spread among teeth. When a tooth becomes severely decayed, it may be necessary to remove the tooth in order to prevent the decay from spreading further.
Teeth Need Extracting due to Injuries
Teeth may also need to be extracted due to injuries, such as a fall or other accident. Injury can cause a tooth to be chipped, cracked, or even detached. In some cases, we may be able to perform a root canal and place a crown to preserve the tooth. When this isn’t ideal, we will remove the tooth and place a space maintainer to preserve the space until the permanent tooth erupts.
Extracting primary front teeth is an easier task than molar extractions because molars have multiple roots, compared to a front tooth’s single root. But molars are the most prone to decay and are the most commonly extracted.
Take X-Rays Before Extracting the Tooth
Before extracting the tooth we will take X-rays to determine the position of the roots and surrounding bone structure, and determine if there may be any complications. Tooth extractions are typically performed under local anesthesia, so your child will be comfortable. The anesthesia is injected into the area to numb it and ensure the procedure is painless. This numbness will last a few hours.
If children have a higher level of anxiety about the procedure, we can also use sedation dentistry to ensure the child is comfortable.
The dentist will then remove the tooth carefully, being sure to keep the bone surrounding the tooth intact. We will place gauze in the tooth socket and apply pressure, and stitches may also be used if the patient needs them.
After the tooth is removed, we will use a space maintainer to ensure that the permanent teeth can erupt properly. Early loss of a baby tooth when space is not maintained can lead to the need for future orthodontic work.
Child May Experience Mild Pain
Your child may experience mild pain or discomfort after the procedure. There may be bleeding, so be sure to change the gauze out regularly. We may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or antibiotics, but if those are not necessary, over-the-counter medication can provide relief. Apply ice to the outside of the jaw as needed to help reduce inflammation.
Avoiding Eating Until the Numbing Medication Wears off
We advise avoiding eating until the numbing medication wears off. This is because your child could accidentally bite the inside of the mouth, and because it is numb, won’t realize it is happening. Have your child stick to soft foods for the first few days post-extraction. Your child should avoid drinking from a straw for the first week in order to aid in proper healing.
Primary (baby) teeth serve several important purposes. They ensure your child can speak and chew properly and serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth. They also serve as guides for the permanent teeth – when a baby tooth falls out on its own, it will naturally attempt to fill the open space left. But if there isn’t another tooth there to guide it in, it may attempt to come in at the wrong location.
This is why we work to preserve primary (baby) teeth as often as possible. When a tooth is damaged, we will try to either fill it if possible or perform a pulpotomy and place a crown if we can. If that isn’t feasible, or if we believe the tooth was close to falling out on its own, we can extract the tooth and place a space maintainer to ensure teeth cannot drift into the open space left by the extracted tooth.
For More Information Contact Us For Tooth Extractions in Roanoke
Extractions are a fairly simple and straightforward procedure. But when performed by a Roanoke pediatric dentist, we know parents have extra peace of mind. We are experienced in caring for children’s smiles, and ensuring they remain calm and comfortable during their procedures. We are focused on treating baby teeth and developing smiles and have the experience and knowledge to recommend the best course of treatment for your child.
FAQ
Is tooth extraction safe for toddlers?
Toddler tooth extraction isn’t as scary as it sounds, and if needed, is totally safe for your child. However, make sure to consult with your pediatric dentist before any treatment to get more information on what to expect from the recovery period required afterward.
How do you take care of a child after a tooth extraction?
Helping your child recover after a toddler tooth extraction is simple. You can help reduce any discomfort and swelling by applying cold compresses to their face for about 20 minutes at a time.
What happens to a toddler after tooth extraction?
After baby tooth extractions, your toddler may face mild discomfort and swelling that should last only for a few days. Make sure to consult with a professional if your child complains about pain for more than a couple of days.
How do I prepare my child for tooth extraction?
Keep in mind the do’s & don’ts of tooth extraction for kids, and be transparent with your child about the procedure. Give your child something to look forward to and explain to your child that there is nothing to fear.
Why Would Children Need Tooth Extractions?
Your child’s pediatric dentist may recommend a tooth extraction for children if the tooth is badly decayed or recently damaged by injury or trauma. The procedure is also necessary when a primary tooth is causing crowding and there is no other way of solving the alignment problem.
