Pflugerville, TX
Extractions
Pediatric Dental Tooth Extractions in Pflugerville, TX
While dentists strive to preserve natural teeth as much as possible, dental extractions are sometimes needed for adults and children. Anthony Bain DDS provides pediatric dental tooth extractions in Pflugerville, TX. If your child’s tooth has become severely decayed or damaged due to trauma, Dr. Bain can help. While the thought of a tooth extraction might seem scary to a child, rest assured we’ll do everything we can to ensure a safe, comfortable experience. Contact us to schedule an exam today!
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When Is a Pediatric Dental Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Many parents fear the early loss of their child’s teeth could disrupt the emergence of permanent teeth or proper tooth alignment. However, pediatric dental tooth extractions are often needed. Dr. Bain only conducts tooth extractions when they’re necessary and beneficial to the child’s long-term dental health. Common reasons for dental extractions include:
- Severe Decay or Damage – Severe decay or damage in your child’s primary teeth (baby teeth) that compromises their oral health may require an extraction. In cases where we cannot treat extensive decay effectively with fillings, extraction may be the best course of action.
- Overcrowding – Overcrowding can make it difficult for permanent teeth to come in correctly. Our dentist may recommend extracting one or more primary teeth to create adequate space before orthodontic treatment. This helps ensure your child’s permanent teeth come in straight.
- Proper Tooth Eruption – Baby teeth are sometimes removed to make way for the eruption of permanent teeth. Our dentist will likely place a dental space maintainer in your child’s mouth after extraction to ensure their permanent teeth come in correctly.
- Persistent Infections – If your child experiences frequent dental infections, extraction may be necessary to prevent them from spreading to surrounding teeth and tissues. However, some infected teeth can be saved through root canal therapy.
- Periodontal Disease – Advanced gum disease can cause loosened teeth. Extraction may be needed if a tooth’s structural support has been severely damaged. While toddlers are less likely to develop gum disease than teens, pediatric periodontal disease affects patients of all ages.
- Impacted Teeth – Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. When they don’t have enough room to emerge or develop, it can cause impacted teeth. An extraction may be needed to prevent pain, infection, and other dental issues for your teen.
What Happens During the Tooth Extraction Process?
First, Dr. Bain will examine your child’s mouth (taking x-rays if needed) to understand the position of the tooth and its roots. A simple tooth extraction on visible teeth usually involves the loosening and removal of the tooth with forceps. Local anesthesia numbs the area around the tooth to ensure your child’s comfort. More complex surgical extractions may be necessary for teeth that have not fully emerged or have broken at the gum line. Surgical extractions often involve making a gum incision to access the tooth. We may use sedation or general anesthesia for more complex extractions.
The dental extraction process for children is similar to that of adults, but our dentist uses child-friendly language and techniques to alleviate any fear and anxiety. Aftercare instructions will focus on managing your child’s discomfort while allowing the extraction site to heal properly. Regular check-ups are vital to monitor your child’s dental development and the emergence of their permanent teeth.
Tooth Extraction Recovery & Aftercare for Children
Many parents worry about the possibility of complications following a pediatric tooth extraction at our Pflugerville practice. Part of preparing for the procedure is being aware of potential complications and monitoring your child’s symptoms to ensure optimal recovery. Following our aftercare instructions can reduce the likelihood of infection, dry socket, and other complications. Here’s what you need to know:
- Bleeding – Some bleeding is typical post-extraction. Biting down on gauze can help control it. If excessive bleeding persists, call our office immediately.
- Swelling and Pain – Ice packs and prescribed medications can alleviate swelling and discomfort. Watch for signs of infection, including fever, pus, or persistent pain. If you suspect your child has an infection post-extraction, call our office immediately.
- Diet & Oral Hygiene Restrictions – We recommend that your child avoid strenuous activities and eat soft foods for a few days post-extraction. While routine brushing should continue, care should be taken to avoid the extraction site initially.
- Signs of Dry Socket – This condition occurs if the blood clot at the site becomes dislodged, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.
- Signs of Nerve Injury – Nerve injury is rare but possible during tooth extractions, especially those involving the lower wisdom teeth. Call our office immediately if your child experiences numbness or other signs of nerve injury.
Schedule an Appointment to Learn More About Dental Extractions
Anthony Bain DDS and the rest of our staff strive to create a pleasant environment for our pediatric patients. Please call us with any questions or concerns about dental extractions at our Pflugerville practice. New patients can find patient forms, testimonials, and insurance information on our site. We look forward to taking care of your child’s dental needs, so request an appointment today!