Pediatric Extractions
Pediatric dental tooth extractions refer to the removal of one or more teeth in children. This procedure is performed by a pediatric dentist, who has specialized training in treating the dental needs of children.
There are several reasons why a pediatric dentist may recommend a tooth extraction for a child. Some common reasons include:
​
-
Crowding: When a child's jaw is too small for their incoming permanent teeth, extractions may be necessary to create enough space for the other teeth to come in properly.
-
Decay or infection: If a tooth is so damaged by decay or infection that it cannot be saved, extraction may be the best option.
-
Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth (third molars) that do not have enough room to come in properly may be extracted to prevent problems such as infection or damage to nearby teeth.
-
Trauma: If a child's tooth is knocked out or severely damaged in an accident, extraction may be necessary.
The extraction procedure itself is usually done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. In some cases, the dentist may also use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help the child relax during the procedure. The tooth is then removed using specialized tools.
​
After the extraction, the child will need to follow certain post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing. These may include avoiding solid foods, taking pain medication as directed, and keeping the extraction site clean.
​
It is important to note that tooth extractions should be considered as a last resort, and the pediatric dentist will do their best to save the tooth with other treatments such as fillings or root canals. Dr. Sandhu at Tricity Smiles Dentistry, a top-rated child dentist in Chandigarh, is specially trained to handle pediatric dental extractions and will provide the best and most comfortable care for your child.
Why Do Children Need Tooth Extractions?
Dr. Sandhu may recommend an extraction for your child for a number of reasons:
-
The tooth is badly decayed
-
The tooth is damaged by injury or trauma
-
Baby teeth remain in place for too long and crowd adult teeth. Extracting the tooth can help the adult teeth come in and eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment down the road
Follow-Up Care For Tooth Extraction In Children
A little bleeding is normal following an extraction. To allow the protective clot to form, avoid rinsing and drinking from a straw for the first 24 hours. Then rinse with salt water to make sure the area stays clean and help reduce pain. You can give your child ibuprofen to help with pain and use an ice pack outside the jaw for mild swelling.
What Does Tooth Extraction In Children Involve?
Kids don't have to be numbed for this procedure. Dr. Sandhu will thoroughly clean the molar teeth prior to application. A gel solution is used to prepare the tooth before the sealant is applied. Finally, a special UV light is used to activate the protective sealant.
Saving Space For Adult Teeth
Baby teeth are in some ways placeholders for adult teeth and help guide the permanent teeth as they come in. If a baby tooth is removed because of damage or decay before the permanent teeth are scheduled to arrive, Dr. Sandhu may recommend a space maintainer to make sure the new tooth comes in correctly.