For children, wiggling their baby teeth loose is a right of passage that results in a visit from the tooth fairy. Getting a tooth pulled, on the other hand, isn’t quite as exciting. In fact, it can result in a lot of anxiety for your little one. To prevent that from happening and ensure the procedure is as seamless as possible, keep reading to learn all about children’s tooth extractions from a kid’s dentist!
Common Reasons for Children’s Tooth Extractions
When your child’s adult teeth are ready to make an appearance, their primary set will begin to loosen, allowing them to fall out without any pain. However, there are some cases in which their teeth will need to be pulled before then. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Extremely decayed teeth that cannot be treated with a filling or root canal.
- Overcrowding that can lead to issues with jaw development.
- A fractured or broken tooth that is beyond repair.
- To prepare for braces.
How to Prepare Your Child for Tooth Extractions
As mentioned above, it’s not unnatural for your child to experience some anxiety surrounding the idea of having a tooth pulled. To ease their concerns, it is important to be both straightforward and reassuring. That way, they know they have nothing to fear and that there are no surprises along the way. If you are unsure of how to walk that fine line, don’t hesitate to ask their dental team for assistance. They may even have tips based on what has worked for patients in the past!
6 Important Aftercare Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Caring for your child’s mouth following their procedure is of the utmost importance. To ensure their recovery is as seamless as possible, keep reading for a few common aftercare instructions:
- Keep their head elevated.
- Change the gauze pads as needed.
- Give them soft foods that are vitamin-rich (not just ice cream).
- Make sure they drink plenty of water.
- Provide them with OTC pain medication as needed.
- Help them complete their oral hygiene routine (as soon as their dentist gives the green light).
Tooth extractions may initially seem scary, but they can play an instrumental role in protecting the look and function of your child’s smile. Therefore, schedule an appointment sooner rather than later!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, our team goes the extra mile to provide top-notch dentistry in a friendly atmosphere. That way, your child will genuinely look forward to their visits! Our two talented doctors, Dr. Sam Alkhoury and Dr. Anna Simon, both have decades of experience under their belt and are committed to continuing education, ensuring your child’s smile is in the best of hands. If your child needs a tooth extraction or is simply overdue for their six-month checkup and cleaning, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 781-767-7200.