Tooth Extractions
Sometimes, a dental extraction is necessary for pediatric dental patients. An extraction is the complete removal of a tooth by a pediatric dentist. Extractions can be necessary if:
- A primary tooth (also known as “baby tooth”) is preventing the normal eruption of a permanent tooth. This is the most common reason for tooth extraction in our pediatric dental practice, as most of our patients are young and in the process of losing their primary teeth to make room for their permanent teeth.
- A tooth has suffered extensive tooth decay or trauma that cannot be repaired. This is less common in younger children because their teeth have not been worn down for such a long period of time. However, this level of decay can result from significant cavities or poor oral hygiene. Tooth damage from accidents that can occur during activities like contact sports and bike rides and result in emergency trips to the kids’ dentist can also lead to your child requiring an extraction procedure.
- A tooth is impacted – this is usually the case with wisdom teeth, as they typically erupt years after the other teeth and often have insufficient room in the jaw. Usually, wisdom teeth are not extracted until the late teens or early twenties. Orthodontic patients in their late teens or later are often advised or required to have their wisdom teeth extracted before they get their braces on.
Depending on the complexity and severity of the patient’s situation, an extraction can be performed surgically or nonsurgically. In any case, at minimum, mild anesthesia is used to ensure the patient is as comfortable as possible throughout their extraction procedure.
Because we are pediatric dentists, we are specifically trained to work with young patients who may have some apprehension about oral procedures. We work with both the patient and the parent or guardian to ensure that everyone involved understands the situation and is well-prepared for the procedure and the healing process.
In order to thoroughly prepare for the procedure, your child’s pediatric dentist will take x-rays of the whole tooth area in order to evaluate the situation. At this point, the doctor will be able to determine whether or not the extraction can be performed as a simple or surgical procedure. If your child is concerned about the pain of having a tooth extracted or being under anesthesia, we will be able to explain how the process works and put their mind at ease. Luckily, due to the anesthesia, the patient should not feel any pain during the procedure. Most of them may feel slight pressure during the removal process.
After the extraction is complete, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the healing process goes smoothly and quickly. The pediatric dentist will provide you with gauze to apply to the affected area to curb the bleeding until a blood clot forms. Be sure to replace the gauze often to keep everything clean and effective. Once the wound is healed enough for the bleeding to stop, the gauze will no longer be necessary. If swelling occurs, you can ice the area intermittently for 20 minutes at a time.
For a few days after the procedure, be sure to have your child eat only soft foods, avoid straws, and keep the area very clean. Once the area is completely healed, they will be back on their way to a great smile!
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FAQ
- What is tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction in La Mesa is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Tooth extractions are not uncommon, and there are a handful of reasons why a tooth may need to be taken out. Reasons can include a damaged or broken tooth, overcrowding, or another tooth is blocking a tooth from erupting.
- How is a tooth extracted?
A tooth extraction in El Cajon first needs to start with an injection of an anesthetic. This is needed so that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the process. The dentist will then proceed to cut around the tooth to loosen the gums and bone tissue. They will use forceps to take the tooth and loosen it out of its position.
- How much does tooth extractions cost?
Tooth extractions in La Mesa can range in cost depending on the number of teeth needed to be pulled and if you have insurance. One tooth needing to be pulled does cost a little less than needing two. If you are able to get two teeth pulled at once, it costs less than getting two teeth pulled during two different appointments.
- What are the types of tooth extractions?
There are two different types of tooth extractions in El Cajon. At Children’s Braces and Dentistry, we have a simple extraction that is used to pull out an erupted tooth. The second is the surgical extraction, which is typically used to pull wisdom teeth that haven’t erupted yet.
- How do you prepare for a dental extraction?
Depending on the type of dental extraction in El Cajon that you get, it really depends on the preparation you will need. If you are getting a simple extraction, you just have to be numbed up. If you are getting a surgical extraction, you may be put under anesthetic.