What Are the Signs My Child Needs a Tooth Extraction?

If your child’s tooth is severely damaged by decay or sustained trauma, then a tooth extraction might prove necessary. A tooth that fails to erupt might also require an extraction or if a tooth is causing an obstruction to a child’s permanent teeth. On occasion, extractions might become a part of your child’s orthodontic treatment to ensure proper alignment and a dazzling smile.

A member of our team at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics in Wyomissing, PA will examine your child’s tooth to determine if an extraction is required. They will go over your options and develop a customized treatment plan. In some cases, even a badly decayed or broken tooth can still be saved by undergoing an endodontic treatment, such as a root canal, and then crowning the tooth. If your child does need an extraction, our team will discuss the process with you and address any concerns that you might have.

All about tooth extractions

If your child must undergo a tooth extraction, the process is carried out at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics in Wyomissing, PA. Our team will administer local anesthesia to keep your child comfortable during the extraction process. On occasion, an additional sedation method might be used to alleviate your child’s anxiety and fear.

During a tooth extraction, a special device is used that is referred to as an elevator. It will effectively loosen and lift the tooth from the bone. A pair of forceps is then used to work the tooth from the socket. On occasion, a small incision is made for optimum access to the tooth. A large tooth might require sectioning into small pieces for easier removal. After the tooth has been removed, our team will usually place a few sutures to help the area heal.

What to expect after tooth extraction

As your child’s mouth heals, avoid letting them use a straw to drink. Also, the child should not spit. Recovery time does vary depending on the complexity of the extraction. Your child can eat soft food at room temperature for a few days. Our clinical staff with sit down with you and your child to discuss recovery and what to expect.

You can use over-the-counter medications to keep your child’s mouth virtually pain-free during the healing process.

Apply cold compresses or use over-the-counter pain medications to help control any discomfort. On occasion, our team might prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection. It is imperative to administer the medication according to instructions and for the required time.

Recovery from a tooth extraction does vary and depends on a variety of situations. A large wisdom tooth extraction could take several weeks to recover, while smaller teeth might only take a week.

Schedule a tooth extraction consultation in Wyomissing, PA

If your child has a badly decayed tooth, crowding, or some other situation that requires extraction, schedule a consultation with our team in Wyomissing, PA. We will carry out a full dental exam to ensure that an extraction is necessary. Your child might need to undergo an extraction if the tooth is severely broken, impacted, or crowded. If an extraction is the only option, we will discuss the entire process with you and answer any questions that you might have. Contact us today to learn more.