When May Your Child Need a Tooth Extraction?
While we do everything possible to preserve your child’s natural teeth with fillings, crowns, and other restorations, sometimes a tooth extraction becomes the best option for their overall health and comfort. Our team carefully evaluates each situation before recommending this treatment, which may be necessary in the following situations:
Severe Tooth Decay
Nearly 18% of kids aged six to eight have one or more primary teeth with untreated decay, making this a common concern among children. Severely decayed teeth that can’t be saved with fillings or crowns often need to be removed to prevent infection from spreading to other teeth or areas of the body. Similarly, teeth badly damaged from accidents or injuries may require extraction when repair simply isn’t possible.
Baby Teeth Removal
Sometimes, baby teeth need a little help making their exit. If they’re hanging around too long, they can block permanent teeth from coming in properly. We may remove one or more of your child’s baby teeth if they don’t fall out on their own and have the potential to cause future issues.
Orthodontics Preparation
During an orthodontic treatment, like braces or a palate expander, your child’s teeth will shift into the proper alignment. We may need to perform extractions to make room for all their teeth and ensure optimal results.
Wisdom teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth often become problematic for older children and teens when they can’t emerge normally through the gums. These impacted teeth frequently need removal to prevent pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth.
What to Expect During the Tooth Extraction Process
At ChildSmiles OC, we prioritize your child’s health, comfort, and safety, taking a careful, child-centered approach to tooth extractions. This starts with a comprehensive examination and detailed imaging to determine if a tooth extraction is necessary and the best option for your child. If you decide to pursue a tooth extraction for your child, we will continue with the following steps:
- Open discussion: Before we begin treatment, we explain everything in kid-friendly language, helping your child understand what’s happening without causing unnecessary worry.
- Anesthesia: To ensure a pain-free procedure, we use local anesthesia or other sedation options for more anxious children. We offer various sedation options tailored specifically to your child’s needs and comfort level.
- Extraction: Once your child feels comfortable and relaxed, we use special instruments to gently loosen and extract the tooth.
While you may assume this is a lengthy process, you’ll likely be surprised by how quickly and smoothly the extraction process goes. Our experienced team works efficiently while monitoring your child closely and keeping them calm during treatment.
What Is the Recovery Like for a Pediatric Tooth Extraction?
After your child’s extraction, we provide clear, easy-to-follow care instructions and answer your questions about the recovery process. It’s normal for your child to experience some minor discomfort and swelling, but the following instructions promote quick healing and minimize any discomfort:
- Apply gentle pressure with gauze pads to control any initial bleeding.
- Take children’s pain relievers as recommended to manage discomfort.
- Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies for a day or two.
- Avoid drinking through straws, which can dislodge the healing blood clot.
- Maintain gentle oral hygiene while avoiding the extraction site.
- Take it easy on physical activities for 24 hours after the procedure.
Many children bounce back remarkably quickly after extractions! We’re always just a phone call away if you have any concerns during the recovery period, and we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary.
Why Choose ChildSmiles OC for Your Child’s Tooth Extraction?
At ChildSmiles OC, we understand children have unique dental needs and often experience dental anxiety differently than adults do. Our specialized training in pediatric dentistry ensures your child receives care specifically tailored to their developmental stage and emotional needs. Additionally, we set ourselves apart in the following ways:
- Fun office: Our colorful, kid-friendly office features engaging distractions like iPads, TVs, and fun décor in treatment rooms, helping transform what could be a scary visit into a positive experience.
- Convenient times: We offer convenient appointment times, including evenings, because we know how packed your family calendar can get with school, sports, and activities.
- Genuine care and passion: Our team genuinely loves working with children. We take the time to build trust with your child, explaining procedures in terms they can understand, and celebrate their bravery afterward.
We understand you want the best for your child, so we treat them as our own with gentle care that builds trust and makes them excited to come to our office. When working with our experienced, skilled professionals, you can rest assured that your child’s smile is in the right hands.
Reach Out to ChildSmiles OC
Is your child experiencing tooth pain or dental anxiety? Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Dowlaty, has over 15 years of specialized experience caring for children’s unique dental needs. We’ve created a fun, welcoming environment where kids actually enjoy their dental visits!
Don’t let tooth pain affect your child’s smile, sleep, or school performance. Call us today at (714) 253-3172 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment. We accept Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal and most major dental insurance plans, making exceptional pediatric dental care accessible to Orange County families.
What makes us different
We Treat Special Needs Patients!
No matter your child’s needs, our team is delighted to give them the tailored treatment they deserve. We take the time to understand their unique condition, personality, and preferences to make them feel comfortable, heard, and cared for.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
General Anesthesia Available
Some kiddos who are medically compromised benefit from the deep sedative effects of general anesthesia. While under general anesthesia, your child will be completely asleep and unconscious as their extraction is completed in one visit.
Keep Kids Calm With Nitrous Oxide
Is your child nervous about their treatment? With nitrous oxide, your kiddo will experience a floaty, worry-free feeling that won’t leave them with any side effects.