Why Your Child Might Need to Have Baby Teeth Extracted

As an adult, you probably do your best to avoid needing a tooth extraction by being diligent regarding your oral health care. But sometimes, children need to have teeth extracted, as well. It is important not to delay or avoid extractions if your dentist deems them necessary, no matter your age. Keep reading as a pediatric dentist in Coppell explains reasons why children’s tooth extractions can be needed, plus shares tips for prep and aftercare.

Reasons That Baby Teeth Can Require Extraction

Common reasons for primary dental extractions include:

• Extreme tooth decay that can’t be restored with a filling. Primary teeth can easily fall victim to decay since the enamel is thinner than permanent tooth enamel. In addition, children may have a high sugar diet or poor oral hygiene, making their teeth more prone to decay. If the decay is deep or large enough, the tooth may need to be extracted.
• Mouth trauma or injuries. A child’s primary teeth can become damaged from trauma or an injury, including accidents or falls. Pain and sensitivity are common if a baby tooth is chipped, cracked, or detached from the socket due to such an injury. Sometimes, the tooth must be removed and replaced with a space maintainer until the adult tooth grows in.
• To prepare for orthodontic treatment like braces. Over-retained baby teeth have not fallen out on their own at the appropriate age. Dentists typically recommend extracting them to allow for the proper eruption of adult teeth. If the primary ones are not removed, problems in the bite can occur. Adult teeth can also begin growing above the over-retained primaries.
• Severe gum disease. Gingivitis causes inflammation in the gingival tissues. If left untreated, pediatric periodontal disease (PD) can develop later. Severe cases can lead to loose teeth, receding gums, and severe bleeding. Tooth extractions are typically necessary if the teeth do not fall out on their own.
• Extra or abnormally shaped baby teeth. Sometimes, people are born with extra baby teeth. They may need to be removed to allow permanent teeth to grow normally. In other cases, the teeth have abnormal shapes (such as when two teeth are fused into one) and may not fall out on their own.

How to Help Your Child Prepare for an Extraction

Prior to your child’s extraction procedure, discuss these topics so you understand what will help them feel more comfortable and then you can coordinate with their dentist:

• Sedation dentistry: If you think it will help your child through the extraction process, ask their dentist about nitrous oxide dental sedation. The effects will wear off right after their procedure. In cases of extreme anxiety or other special conditions, hospital dentistry under general anesthesia may also be an option.
• Amenities: Talk to your child about other things that might help them relax before the procedure, such as toys, books, blankets, watching TV, etc. Then, ask their dentist what items of this nature will be available or what you can bring to their office. Let your child know so they’ll feel more positive about the appointment.

Aftercare Tips for a Baby Tooth Extraction

Mild-to-moderate pain may occur after surgery. Within a few days, life can return to normal. To help reduce your child’s pain and symptoms, anti-inflammatory pain medications such as Ibuprofen may be prescribed or purchased over the counter to reduce pain after surgery and speed up recovery.

Icing the outside of the jaw helps reduce inflammation and pain throughout the healing process. Children should eat softer foods for a few days post-surgery to increase comfort, including cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.

Also, it is important to avoid drinking from a straw or spitting vigorously for about a week post-op. These actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms after the extraction procedure and may require additional treatment.

Hopefully, your little one will take good care of their smile and the issue of children’s tooth extractions will never come up. But if it does, their pediatric dentist will explain why, plus provide suggestions to get them ready for the procedure and how to proceed afterward.

About the Author

Dr. Terra Compton has been working for the little smiles of her patients for nearly a decade. She earned her dental doctorate from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. If you need help with children’s tooth extractions or you just need to schedule a checkup and cleaning for your little one, book an appointment on her website or call (972) 393-9779.