EXTRACTIONS
EXTRACTIONS
An extraction may be necessary if your child’s tooth is severely decayed
After numbing the area, your pediatric dentist will use special instruments to loosen the tooth from the socket and remove it gently. After the tooth is removed, the dentist will place gauze on the extraction site and have your child bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. Depending on the case, the dentist may use local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation. Your dentist will provide post-extraction instructions, such as how to care for the extraction site, what to eat and drink, and when to schedule a follow-up visit.
It is important to note that tooth extraction should always be a last resort and only recommended by your pediatric dentist when all other options have been exhausted. Sometimes, tooth extraction can be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or a space maintainer to prevent shifting teeth.
EXTRACTIONS IN CULVER CITY, CA
After removing the tooth, your dentist will place gauze at the extraction site to stop bleeding. Your child will need to bite down on the gauze for about 30-45 minutes to stop any bleeding. Your dentist may also place a dissolvable stitch to aid in the healing process. Your child must avoid solid foods for a few days and stick to soft foods and liquids. The extraction site will be sore for a few days, but over-the-counter pain medication can help with discomfort. Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions and schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the extraction site is healing properly.
WHEN IS AN EXTRACTION NECESSARY?
Pediatric tooth extractions may be recommended in many cases
DECAY OR DAMAGE
Another common reason for extraction is when a child has a tooth blocking other teeth from coming in correctly. This is known as crowding and can be caused by a lack of space in the jaw or by more significant than average teeth. In these cases, an extraction may be recommended to make room for the other teeth to come in correctly and prevent future orthodontic problems. Additionally, some children may have a baby tooth that is not falling out naturally in time for the permanent tooth to come in. In such cases, the pediatric dentist may recommend extraction of the baby tooth to prevent any issues with the permanent tooth's eruption.
CROWDING OR ORTHODONTICS
Yes, healthy baby teeth extractions may be necessary, such as correcting a bad bite, addressing crowding, or removing a baby tooth that prevents adult teeth from coming in. It can also be done as a preparation for orthodontic treatment. Consult with a pediatric dentist in Santa Monica for more information.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A TOOTH EXTRACTION
Take these steps before and after your appointment
It is important to avoid using frightening language or going into much detail about the extraction process with your child before the appointment. Your pediatric dentist in Culver City will have experience working with children and can explain the process in a way that is appropriate for their age and understanding. After the extraction, the socket will be covered with gauze, and pressure will be applied to stop the bleeding. Your child may experience mild to moderate discomfort and swelling, but your dentist will recommend ways to alleviate these symptoms. Ice packs, soft foods, and avoiding activities such as spitting or drinking from a straw for the first day or two will be recommended. Also, brush your teeth gently and avoid the treatment area until it is healing.
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