Even if it’s a baby tooth that will fall out at some point, pediatric dentists like Dr. Matt generally try to prevent tooth loss.
But in some cases, the baby tooth may be so damaged that it’s the only available solution. Here are some things to expect if your child needs a tooth extraction:
First, Dr. Matt will want to confirm that the tooth does need extraction. He may take an x-ray of the child’s mouth to fully assess the damage, on top of a regular assessment.
Whether it's for kids or adults, tooth extractions won’t cause any pain. First, the child’s tooth is completely numbed using a local anesthetic.
But children who are a bit more anxious or generally cannot sit through such treatments may also receive sedation.
Dr. Matt will discuss your child’s sedation option in a previous appointment after reviewing the child’s medical history carefully in order to make the best decision for them.
Once the sedative and local anesthesia are in full effect, Dr. Matt will use a special tool to gently move the tooth back and forth to loosen it, then pull it out of the socket. The child may feel a strange sensation, but they won’t feel pain.
After the tooth is pulled, the child will bite down on gauze, which will help control the bleeding and form a blood clot.
Dr. Matt will provide you with some tips and tricks on how to support the child's healing following the extraction.
Here are some things you may need to do:
You may receive even more aftercare tips, depending on your child’s needs.
The baby tooth extraction restored your child’s oral health, but it’s important to plan ahead. Premature baby tooth loss can lead to alignment issues later on, as the other teeth could move and make the adult teeth erupt in an improper position.
Luckily, this can be avoided with a space maintainer. Dr. Matt will schedule your child for another appointment to get this prosthetic and fill the gap.
If one of your child’s baby teeth is damaged and you suspect they may need an extraction, Bring them in for a consultation with Dr. Matt.
Request an appointment at Maple Grove Pediatric Dentistry online, or call us at (763) 390-8575 if you have more questions.
