Children sometimes develop issues with a tooth, issues that could impact the rest of the smile and lead to the spread infection or premature tooth loss. To improve bite function and health, your Round Rock, TX, pediatric dentist can help with a gentle tooth extraction. Find out how we do this in our latest blog.

When Children May Need a Tooth Removed

When a tooth is too damaged in an injury to be repaired with a crown, or develops a case of tooth decay and infection too severe for a filling or pulpotomy, then we may need to remove it. Otherwise, infection could spread and impact other teeth. We could also remove one to help improve bite function and bite balance, or to aid in orthodontic treatment. If baby teeth don’t fall out on time, we may extract them to prevent the onset of dental misalignment. When your child is in the teen years, we may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction to prevent painful impaction, infection, and misalignment should the third molars be allowed to erupt.

The Extraction Process

The process is a fast and comfortable one, and often takes as little as 30 minutes to complete. To begin, we will administer a local anesthetic to the area where the extraction takes place. We also have dental extraction, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV. A trained anesthesiologist will be on hand the entire time to monitor your child, and this helps them stay comfortable with little to no memory of the procedure at all. We gently remove the tooth with a pair of forceps, and then suture the area closed. We will send you and your child home with prescriptions for necessary medications, and detailed instructions. Your child will need to rest for a day, and eat only soft foods.

Safeguarding Smiles

Often, routine preventive care can help reduce the need for an extraction by preventing infection and tooth decay. To safeguard your child’s smile, be sure he or she continues to brush and floss each day, and that they enjoy sugary treats in moderation. Make time to see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning too, so we can monitor the smile and remove harmful layers of plaque and tartar before they allow tooth decay to develop.

If you have any questions about our approach to restorative dentistry for kids, including tooth removal, then contact our team today to learn more.

Your Round Rock, TX, Pediatric Dentist Provides Restorative Treatment

We’re ready to offer comfortable and effective restorative treatment for children. If you would like to learn more about how we preserve your child’s smile and improve oral health, then contact your Round Rock, TX, pediatric dentist, Dr. Thames, by calling 512-733-5311.