Tooth Extractions – Willow Park, TX
Remove Troublesome Teeth to Preserve Your Child’s Smile
Although our team makes every effort to protect and preserve your child’s natural teeth, if one is too decayed or damaged to be repaired, we may be unable to treat it effectively. If it remains in place, it can endanger their oral health because issues like cavities and gum disease can spread if left unaddressed. Thankfully, our team at Stroud Pediatric Dentistry can gently remove troublesome teeth to preserve your child’s smile.
Continue reading to learn more about this procedure, and feel free to contact us for more information.
Why Choose Stroud Pediatric Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Multiple Forms of Sedation for Patient Comfort
- Dental Insurance Welcomed
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
If you’ve just learned that your little loved one needs a tooth pulled, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s necessary. Rest assured; our team wouldn’t recommend it if we didn’t feel it was in your child’s best interests. There are several reasons teeth might need to be removed, including:
- If it’s severely damaged or decayed.
- To make room for orthodontic treatments and maintain the results.
- To ensure there’s enough room for a required restoration, like dentures.
- A baby tooth hasn’t fallen out to make room for a permanent one.
- It developed an infection, impaction, or abscess.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
It’s natural for you and your child to feel a bit nervous about their upcoming procedure, and knowing more about what to expect can provide some much-needed peace of mind. First, they’ll be numbed and/or sedated to ensure that they feel comfortable the entire time. Then, for simple extractions, one of our dentists will grasp the troublesome tooth with forceps and gently wiggle it until it detaches from the gums and can slip free. If a surgical extraction is necessary, our team may have to break apart the tooth to access it fully and pull it out in sections.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to follow that can help your child recover as quickly as possible without developing complications. A blood clot must form over the site to protect the underlying bone tissues and nerves that have been exposed. If it’s damaged or dislodged, your child could develop a painful condition known as dry socket. To prevent it, we recommend:
- Take any pain medications or antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
- Rinse the mouth gently with salt water to clear away food particles and germs that could cause an infection.
- Do not drink out of straws because the force of suction can inure the blood clot.
- Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous exercise or activities that elevate their blood pressure and heart rate.
- Prop their head up on pillows to sleep.