Tooth extractions are typically recommended in the following situations:
- Severe tooth decay or damage that cannot be repaired with a filling or root canal.
- Crowding of teeth that can cause orthodontic issues and impact the development of other teeth.
- Infection or risk of infection due to a severely decayed or damaged tooth.
- Extra tooth (supernumerary teeth) that is blocking the eruption of other teeth.
- Ectopic eruption of a permanent tooth that is in the wrong position or causing damage to other teeth.
If we recommend a tooth extraction for your child, we will discuss the reasons and alternatives with you to ensure that you understand and are comfortable with the procedure.
Types of Tooth Extractions for Kids
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. The type of extraction needed will depend on the condition and location of the affected tooth.
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, such as baby teeth or adult teeth with a single root. The dentist will use special tools to gently loosen and remove the tooth.
Surgical extractions are more complex and involve removing a tooth that is not easily accessible, such as an impacted wisdom tooth or a tooth with multiple roots. In this case, the dentist may need to make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth.
Our Dental Sedation Options
We understand that having a tooth extracted can be a scary experience for kids. If your child feels anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist, or if they have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time, they may benefit from dental sedation.
We offer three types of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): a mild sedative that helps children relax during dental procedures. It is administered through a small mask placed over the nose, allowing the child to breathe in the gas. The effects are felt quickly, producing a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. The gas wears off rapidly once the mask is removed, leaving no lingering effects.
- Oral conscious sedation: This type of sedation involves giving the child oral medication about an hour before the procedure. The medication helps the child feel calm and drowsy but keeps them awake and able to follow instructions.
- General anesthesia: In cases where a child may have difficulty cooperating or sitting still for the procedure, we may recommend general anesthesia. This involves putting the child to sleep and monitoring their vital signs throughout the procedure. We have hospital privileges at Riley Children’s Hospital and can provide hospital-based general anesthesia if we think this is necessary.
Our team will discuss these options with you and determine which sedation method is best suited for your child’s needs.
Tooth Extraction Procedure Details
Before we perform any procedures on your child, we will explain the procedure to you first. We will also explain it to your child in kid-friendly terms, so they understand what to expect.
Simple Tooth Extraction
- Patient preparation: The child will be made comfortable in the dental chair. Laughing gas is administered, and local anesthesia is applied to numb the affected area, ensuring they do not feel pain during the procedure.
- Loosening the tooth: The dentist uses a special dental instrument called an elevator to gently rock the tooth back and forth, loosening it from the ligaments and bone that hold it in place.
- Extraction: Once loosened, forceps are used to grasp the tooth and carefully remove it from the socket.
- Post-extraction care: Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding, and parents are given instructions on how to care for the site at home, including advice for managing pain and keeping the area clean.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
- Patient preparation: If general anesthesia is used, the child will be put to sleep and monitored closely throughout the procedure. If oral sedation is used, the child may feel drowsy but will remain awake. They will likely fall asleep and recall little from the procedure.
- Making an incision: A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and the surrounding bone.
- Bone and tissue removal: In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a small amount of bone around the tooth or cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make removal easier.
- Extraction: The tooth or its fragments are carefully removed using dental instruments.
- Stitches: The incision site may be closed with stitches to promote proper healing.
- Post-extraction care: Gauze is used to manage bleeding, and parents receive detailed post-operative care instructions, including how to prevent infection, manage pain, and help the child’s recovery process.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
It is very important to follow post-extraction instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Some general aftercare tips include:
- Take pain medication as prescribed: Your child may experience some discomfort or soreness after the extraction. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this, or your dentist may prescribe a stronger medication if needed. Always follow the dosage instructions provided.
- Apply ice packs: Apply ice packs wrapped in a towel in 20 minute intervals over the next 24 hours.
- Do not use a straw or spit: Sucking on a straw or spitting forcefully can dislodge the blood clot, leading to a dry socket, which can be very painful.
- Eat soft foods: For the first few days after the extraction, stick to softer foods that don’t require much chewing.
- Keep the area clean: The day after surgery your child should start rinsing their mouth with a warm saltwater rinse or antibacterial mouthwash to keep the area clean and prevent infection.
- Oral hygiene: Brush and floss teeth every day to keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria. You can brush and floss the day of surgery, but avoid the surgery site.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Your child may need to see the dentist for a follow-up visit to monitor healing and remove any stitches if necessary. It is important to attend these appointments as scheduled.
🔑Key Takeaway
A tooth extraction may be necessary if your child has a severely damaged or decayed tooth, extra teeth, or overcrowding. Our experienced team will make sure your child feels safe and comfortable during the entire procedure. We have sedation options available if your child is anxious or nervous or isn’t able to sit still for long periods of time.
FAQs About Tooth Extractions for Kids
Is tooth extraction painful for kids?
Your child should not feel any pain during the procedure. Local anesthesia numbs the area so your child doesn’t feel any pain. We apply a numbing agent to the gums before the injection so they should not feel any pain. We also offer sedation options if they are anxious or nervous about being at the dentist.
How long does it take for a child to recover from a tooth extraction?
Most children recover within a few days. Following the aftercare instructions we provide will ensure a smooth recovery.
Can my child eat after a tooth extraction?
Yes, but they should wait until the numbing has completely worn off so that they don’t bite their tongue or cheeks. Stick to soft, cool foods for the first 24 hours. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the extraction site.
How much does a tooth extraction cost?
The cost of a tooth extraction varies from patient to patient based on insurance coverage or self-pay. If you have insurance coverage, the amount you pay out-of-pocket will be different from someone without insurance. Regardless of how you pay, we are very transparent and honest with parents about prices. Once we have the insurance information, we will provide you with the total cost of the procedure.