During a visit at your child’s pediatric dentist’s office, you learn that they are being recommended for tooth extraction. Shocked that this invasive procedure is being brought up in discussion, you inquire about the need for such treatment. Although it might seem as if this type of procedure would never be essential for young smiles, there are certain situations that call for the removal of one or more teeth. To find out if one of them might be the motive for your child’s upcoming procedure, here are three reasons your child’s dentist might be suggesting tooth extraction.
What Type of Tooth Extraction Does My Child Need?
There are two types of tooth extraction that a dentist will perform: simple and surgical. Depending on the state of the tooth as well as the expertise of the dentist, they may or may not refer you and your child to an outside specialist if surgical removal is required.
In most cases, a simple extraction is enough to remove a tooth safely. This requires that the tooth be fully or partially erupted. Using specialized instruments known as dental elevators and forceps, a pediatric dentist can easily lift the tooth and gently move it back and forth until it detaches.
Should a child need surgical tooth removal, the process is a bit more invasive. While local anesthesia is used in both types, this more extensive procedure requires making an opening in the gum tissue and removing an impacted tooth in pieces. This is to avoid damaging as much of the existing bone as possible.
What Reasons Might a Child Be Recommended for Tooth Extraction?
The idea of having your child losing one or more teeth to extraction might not seem like the right choice, but if their pediatric dentist is recommending it, there is probably a justified reason, such as:
- Overcrowding – Oftentimes, teeth can grow in too close together. As a result, bite misalignment can occur, requiring orthodontic treatment to fix. Should braces be necessary, your child’s pediatric dentist might recommend removing one or more teeth to ensure there is adequate room for their teeth to shift into their proper place.
- Facial Trauma – If your child or teen sustains a serious injury, it may be necessary to remove a tooth if it is no longer viable. Having a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth can be harmful to the rest of their smile, so if it cannot be fixed with a dental crown or other form of restorative care, tooth removal may be required.
- Severe Dental Decay – If proper oral hygiene habits are not practiced at home, and regular dental checkups and cleanings are not performed, bacteria can accumulate on teeth and gums, resulting in severe decay. If left untreated, the problem can worsen, causing an infection that can eventually turn into an abscess. If their tooth is too badly infected, it may pose a risk to their oral health, resulting in the need to remove it.
No matter the suggestion of your child’s pediatric dentist, you can rest assured that you will receive a complete treatment plan that explains the process and what can be expected after tooth removal.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Suh is a trusted pediatric dentist who cares about patients’ smiles. When an injury occurs or serious infection puts a child’s oral health at risk, he and his team can remedy the problem with tooth extraction. Working closely with patients and their parents, Dr. Suh will ensure optimal safety and comfort should this type of procedure be necessary. Let us know how we can help you by contacting us at (925) 575-8878.