Baby teeth aren’t meant to last forever. They’re essentially placeholders that help your child eat, speak, and smile while their adult teeth develop underneath. However, while they’re meant to fall out on their own, sometimes a baby tooth extraction is the safest choice. Keep reading to see why an emergency dentist for children might suggest an extraction and learn what to expect.
The Tooth Is Too Damaged to Save
Pediatric dentists always try to keep your child’s baby teeth as long as possible, until they’re ready to come out on their own. That said, severe decay or an oral injury can leave a tooth beyond repair. When a filling or crown won’t hold, removal can stop the damage from spreading.
An Infection Has Set In
A badly infected or cracked tooth can cause pain, swelling, and even fever. Left alone, the infection can spread beyond the tooth itself. Sometimes pulp treatment can be enough to save it, but if the infection has gone too far, removing the source protects your child’s health.
A Baby Tooth Won’t Budge
Some baby teeth just refuse to fall out! While it’s a good sign that the root is healthy, a stubborn tooth can become a hindrance for the permanent tooth underneath, causing it to erupt crooked. Removing the old one clears the way for the new one to grow in correctly.
There Isn’t Enough Room
If your child’s mouth is too crowded for needed orthodontic treatment, removing a tooth can create the space. This helps set up their smile for straightening down the road.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
While it’s understandable that children might be a little apprehensive about an extraction, they’re far gentler than you might expect. First, your child’s pediatric dentist numbs the area to deaden the nerves in and around the tooth. This makes it so that your child may feel pressure but not pain. If your child needs a little help to relax, nitrous oxide can help.
Next, the tooth is gently elevated using a special instrument and painlessly wiggled free. Your child’s pediatric dentist will then walk you through aftercare instructions, so you know exactly what to do at home. This will likely include a soft food diet, rest, and plenty of water sipped from a cup rather than a straw.
If your child has a toothache, swelling, or a baby tooth that won’t budge, don’t wait. A quick exam can show whether the tooth can be saved or needs to go, so you can move forward with confidence.
About the Author
Dr. Ivan Huynh is a board-certified pediatric dentist who loves turning nervous kids into smiling ones. He earned his DMD from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, where he also completed his specialty pediatric training. Today, he’s happy to help Lake St. Louis families protect their children’s smiles with gentle, comfortable care, including nitrous oxide sedation when needed. Call (636) 265-6073 to schedule your child’s appointment at Sunny Shore Pediatric Dentistry of Lake Saint Louis.