Do Dentists Ever Extract Baby Teeth?

Humans are born with two sets of teeth: A primary set that begins growing in about a year after birth and an adult set that replaces it around elementary school age. While the primary teeth, also called baby teeth, typically fall out on their own when the adult teeth are ready to emerge, there are cases when it is necessary to remove a primary tooth via extraction. Here’s a brief guide to why your child may need to have a baby tooth removed at your pediatric dentist’s office.

Why Would My Child Need to Have a Baby Tooth Extracted?

A baby tooth may need extraction for a number of reasons, several of those being:

• Decay: If your child’s tooth is severely infected and cannot be treated with a dental filling, it may be necessary to remove it to prevent the germs from spreading to other parts of the mouth.
• Injury: A severely damaged tooth can be especially vulnerable to a destructive oral infection, so removing it may be the best way to preserve the child’s oral health.
• Crowding: If your child does not have enough room in their mouth to accommodate all their teeth, it may be necessary to remove some of them to spare your little one from pain, misalignments, and oral infections.
• Orthodontic treatment: Some children receiving early orthodontic treatments will need to have a few teeth removed to make room for their appliances.
• A stubborn tooth: Sometimes, a baby tooth will not fall out on its own when the adult tooth is ready to emerge, so it may be necessary to perform an extraction in these cases.

How Can I Prepare My Child for a Tooth Extraction?

Depending on your child’s temperament, it may be best to have your pediatric dentist explain that they are going to receive a tooth extraction immediately before their procedure so they don’t have time to fret over it. Your dentist will administer an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that the child feels no pain, and they may need a sedation treatment if they are receiving a complex extraction that involves incisions.

It’s crucial to understand your child’s postoperative instructions so you can stock up on soft, mild foods and the necessary oral healthcare supplies. Your dentist will give you a detailed set of directions for how to keep your kid comfortable and prevent complications. For example, it’s best not to drink through a straw after extraction since the pressure shifts this causes in the mouth can dislodge the blood clot forming over the surgical wound and cause a severely painful condition called dry socket.

You can rest assured that tooth extraction is the best thing for your child’s oral health if your pediatric dentist recommends it. By knowing what to expect, you can keep the process as stress-free as possible for you and your little one.

About the Practice

Stroud Pediatric Dentistry offers the finest oral healthcare available to children in Willow Park. Led by Drs. Rober Casey Stroud and Michael Ball, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys compassionate treatment in a clean and kid-friendly environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and emergency dentistry for children. If you suspect that your child’s baby tooth needs to be removed, contact the office online or dial (817) 441-2425.