Under normal circumstances, your child’s baby teeth play an important role in their oral development. They help kids learn how to talk, chew, and even guide permanent teeth into position. Knowing this, you might be even more confused as to why your family dentist is recommending a tooth extraction for your child!
Though not exactly common, it does happen, and often for good reason. Keep reading to find out why.
Why Your Dentist Might Recommend Extraction
Since baby teeth are so important, dentists generally only recommend extracting them if there’s something wrong, and other treatments won’t solve the problem. For example:
- There’s severe tooth decay that can’t be treated with a root canal
- Overcrowded teeth could cause jaw or orthodontic complications
- Dental damage has made the tooth unsalvageable
- Gum disease could spread and cause more tooth loss
Sometimes, removing a tooth (or baby tooth!) is the best way to restore and protect your child’s oral health.
Securing Your Child’s Comfort
Tooth extractions can be scary for adults, let alone kids. Fortunately, your dentist will take every precaution to ensure your child feels comfortable and safe during their treatment. They’ll administer a local anesthetic to completely numb the area surrounding your child’s troubled tooth and can provide sedation dentistry if your little one is especially anxious. Nitrous oxide (a.k.a. laughing gas) for example, is safe for kids and effective at helping patients feel at ease.
Post-Extraction Aftercare Tips
You and your kiddo will likely find that a tooth extraction isn’t as bad as it sounds. However, once the anesthetic wears off, your child’s mouth could very well feel sore. Over the counter pain relievers are often able to provide relief, and following these tips can help ensure a smooth recovery:
- Give your child soft food meals like yogurt and scrambled eggs
- Make sure they drink plenty of water
- Encourage them to rest and avoid strenuous activity
- Continue with gentle oral hygiene practices like careful brushing and flossing
It’s important not to disturb the extraction site, which is why most post-op instructions will likely center around delicate care. Your dentist will make sure you’re well informed about what you should do and how you can help your child during treatment and recovery, so don’t feel intimidated by the process! Talk to your dentist about any questions or concerns, and your little one will be back to life as usual in no time.
About the Practice
At Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas, we have three excellent dentists on staff who would be happy to provide quality oral care for you and your loved ones. If your child needs a tooth extraction, we’ll be sure to keep you well informed about the process and make your little one’s comfort a priority. To contact our office, call 469-529-6016.