When a tooth is decayed, we could place a filling. When one is damaged, we could secure a crown. But what if the issue is too severe to be treated with either of these? In these situations, our team could help your child by conducting a tooth extraction. In today’s blog, your Round Rock, TX, pediatric dentist talks about how we extract teeth to safeguard little smiles!

When Teeth Cannot Be Restored

If your little one sustains major damage to a tooth, or develops advanced decay that cannot be addressed with a crown or filling, then the risk of more severe discomfort increases. As the tooth dies, infection could even spread to other portions of the smile. Our team could remove the teeth to prevent this. Likewise, when one hinders your child’s bite balance or chewing function, or if we need to make room for orthodontic treatment, then we could again simply extract the tooth. As your child approaches adulthood, we could also extract wisdom teeth to prevent painful impactions, misalignment, and other complications. When we recommend this procedure for kids, this means we’re attempting to prevent severe complications for their health, function, and smile beauty.

The Tooth Extraction Process

We will begin by taking detailed x-rays using digital technology, which means no bitewings, less time in the chair, and 90% less radiation too! These detailed images allow us to pinpoint the position of the tooth and to plan the extraction in detail so we avoid blood vessels, nerve tissues, or sinus cavities. We will not only offer a local anesthetic to keep them comfortable, but we could discuss dental sedation so your child enters a state of calm and relaxation, with little to no memory of the procedure at all.

Once your little one is comfortable, we will then gently remove the tooth in question with a pair of forceps, and we will suture the area closed. In some cases, this procedure could take as little as 30 minutes.

Recovery and Healing

Dental sedation takes time to wear off completely, your child likely won’t return to school. We will provide instructions for aftercare, and prescriptions for medications to assist with the healing process. Your little one should rest for the day and eat only soft foods. Make sure they avoid straws, don’t poke the site with their tongue, and that they’re very gentle when brushing and flossing. We can remove sutures if needed in follow-up visits. If you have any questions about tooth extraction for children, then contact our team today to learn more.

Your Round Rock, TX, Pediatric Dentist Offers Tooth Extraction

Our team is ready to tackle your child’s oral health concerns, even the serious ones! Give us a call at Pediatric Dentistry of Round Rock at (979)472-4498 for more information or to schedule their next appointment.