Having a tooth pulled can be a scary experience for children, especially if it’s their first time. But sometimes, tooth extraction is necessary to maintain proper dental health. Teeth left untreated can lead to greater problems later in life, so treating them right away is important.
If your child requires a tooth extraction, we can help. At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we use the most advanced tools and techniques available to make sure your child is relaxed and the extraction is as pain-free as possible.
If your child needs a tooth extraction and you are searching for tooth extraction Phoenix, Phoenix pediatric dentist or tooth extraction near me, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call (602) 935-7427 or complete the online booking form.
Tooth extraction is always the last resort when treating oral issues. However, there are several reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted:
If your child is experiencing pain, it is recommended that you make an appointment for an assessment as soon as possible. Painful symptoms while eating or drinking could be a sign of a significant cavity that is nearing the tooth’s nerve center. The presence of spontaneous and random pain symptoms indicates that the cavity has reached the nerve chamber.
Swelling on a child’s lip or cheek can indicate that the bacteria causing a cavity has spread and infected the bone beneath the tooth. Severe cases of infection can lead to hospitalization and can be life-threatening.
The extraction procedure is similar to that of adults, and typically takes between 20-30 minutes, depending on the complexity. We begin numbing the area with local anesthesia before removing the tooth. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available to help them relax during the procedure and reduce anxiety. If your child has severe dental anxiety or special needs, please consult Dr.Martinez about additional sedation options like oral or IV sedation.
When the area around the tooth is numb, the tooth will be removed using special instruments. In cases where the tooth is impacted, it may need to be cut in pieces for easier removal. Once the extraction is complete, the exposed tooth socket will be sutured, and sterile gauze will be placed over the area to help stop bleeding and promote healing.
Your child may experience pain, discomfort, and swelling following the surgical extraction; this is completely normal and should diminish as the area heals. You may give your child over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation. Ice packs can also be applied to the cheek for 20-minute intervals to help with swelling.
Following the extraction, you will be given instructions on proper aftercare, such as brushing, flossing, and special mouth rinses that may be necessary for healing. A salt water rinse after extraction can help reduce inflammation and minimize the risk of infection.
Eat a soft-food diet for a few days following the procedure to ensure proper healing. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups are good options for your child to eat following an extraction. Avoid hard and crunchy foods like apples, popcorn, and chips, as these can disrupt healing.
To help reduce swelling and discomfort, your child should rest for at least 24 hours following the extraction.
Although tooth extraction is a common procedure, it has some risks. These may include infection, nerve damage, or dry socket. If these symptoms occur, contact your child’s dentist immediately.
Dry socket is a condition that can develop after tooth extraction. A dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site gets dislodged, exposing the extraction site to bacteria and food particles. Symptoms include severe pain and odor coming from the mouth.
To prevent dry socket, do not drink through a straw, rinse vigorously or spit forcefully for at least three days after surgery.
If your child requires a tooth extraction, Dr. Martinez and his team at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. Our experienced team has extensive experience in pediatric dental care and can provide the best possible treatment for your child. Call us today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions about the extraction process.
If you are searching for tooth extraction Phoenix, Phoenix pediatric dentist, or tooth extraction near me, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call (602) 935-7427 or complete the online booking form. We look forward to meeting you and helping your child have a healthier smile!
Summary
Yes, tooth extraction is a common and routine procedure for children. The team at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry has extensive experience in pediatric dental care, which makes us ideally suited to help your child with their oral health needs.
Your child will not feel any pain during the extraction as we use a local anesthetic to numb the area. However, they may experience some discomfort, swelling, and pain afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications and ice packs.
It usually takes around two weeks or more for the extraction site to fully heal.By following the aftercare instructions given to you by your dentist, you can ensure a speedy recovery. During this time, it is important to stick to a soft-food diet and avoid hard and crunchy foods and vigorous activity.
Your child should limit activity for at least 24 hours after extraction to prevent swelling and discomfort. After this period, they can return to their normal activities. However, it is important to check with your dentist before participating in any contact sports.
Most insurance plans will cover tooth extractions. To find out if you are covered, contact your insurance provider to discuss what services are included in your plan.
