Tooth extraction, also known as dental extraction, is a common pediatric dental surgery that involves removing a primary tooth from its socket in the alveolar bone. Most children naturally shed their milk teeth, allowing permanent teeth to emerge independently. Yet in rare circumstances, external assistance is required to extract primary teeth because it did not occur naturally or when they are highly decaying or damaged owing to external influences. In such circumstances, tooth extraction is required.

At Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry, we do not recommend tooth extraction unless it is the sole solution to your child's dental problems. Even adults hate having their teeth extracted, thus it is natural for children to be afraid of it. A tooth may need to be removed due to trauma, extensive decay, gum disease, or orthodontic concerns. Though extractions are a relatively standard procedure, we understand it can be a stressful experience.

Conditions That Require Teeth Extraction in Children

The most common conditions that require tooth extractions in children are tooth decay, trauma or injury, gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth, and the necessity for orthodontic therapy.

Cavities are a common concern in children due to the fragility of their dental enamel. Also, children's teeth are prone to deterioration since they are not vigilant with dental hygiene routines. Untreated tooth decay in primary teeth might result in serious oral health problems and infections. When primary teeth are extracted owing to severe tooth decay, the permanent teeth fill the void, resulting in crooked or crowded teeth.

Children often suffer from trauma or injuries due to playground mishaps and falls. The pediatric dentist, in turn, often repairs the tooth by conducting pediatric pulp treatment or placing a dental crown. But sometimes, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a space maintainer until the permanent tooth appears.

Another infection that affects youngsters is gingivitis, which causes inflammation in the gingival tissues. Gum disease causes the gum tissue to bleed, swell, and turn red. Gingivitis progresses to pediatric periodontal disease, which affects the gums and jawbone if left untreated. In addition to receding gums, severe infections can loosen the child's teeth and cause significant bleeding. 

The Process of Extraction

A tooth extraction can be stressful for parents and children, but the surgery is simple and less complex in most circumstances than an adult tooth extraction. 

Our dentist will first take an X-ray to examine the tooth's roots and bone condition. We will then numb the treatment area to keep your child from feeling discomfort during extraction. The tooth is then removed using forceps by your dentist, who moves it in the socket and rotates it to separate the periodontal ligaments that connect the tooth to the jawbone.

Post-operative care is the final stage of tooth extraction. Give them nutrient-dense soft foods for a few days after the treatment, and make sure they drink lots of water. 

Visit Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry at 2 Coolidge St, Suite 202, Hudson, MA 01749, or call (508) 658-0661 for the best dental care.