Sometimes teeth need to be removed. A baby tooth could have an abnormal shape or long roots, preventing it from falling out when it’s supposed to. In that scenario, the tooth must be extracted to make room for the permanent tooth coming in.

In some cases, the tooth could have decay that puts the jaw and nearby teeth in danger. Infections, orthodontic treatments, and wisdom tooth issues could lead to a tooth’s removal as well. If our staff determine that your child needs a tooth extracted, we may be able to do it during a regular checkup. Otherwise, you can schedule a separate appointment for the tooth removal.

Each tooth has a root that’s within a “tooth socket” of the jawbone. A ligament holds the tooth in the socket. When a dentist extracts a tooth, they’ll need to expand the socket to separate the tooth and ligament. The procedure is quick, but we can discuss sedation and other preferences before the appointment. We want to ensure that every patient is comfortable during their appointment

Follow these precautions after your child’s extraction:

• Don’t drink using a straw
• Avoid vigorously rinsing and spitting
• Only eat soft foods. Avoid foods with sharp areas, such as popcorn, pretzels, and crackers.
• If the patient has discomfort, you can give them a child’s dose of Advil or Tylenol.

If you notice swelling, place a cold cloth or ice bag on the swollen area. Then, notify our office.