Tooth Extractions – Silver Spring, MD
Gentle, Compassionate Tooth Removal for Kids
Our team wants to help children establish the foundation for lifelong oral health. That is why we strive to care for our patients in a way that allows them to keep their natural teeth healthy and strong. In some cases, though, we must perform gentle, compassionate tooth removal for kids. This emergency restorative procedure may end your child’s toothache and help them get on the road to happier, healthier smiles.
Why Choose Healthy Kids Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
Sedation Available for Anxious Patients
Compassionate, Gentle Dentist and Team
Open the Way for Improved Oral Health
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We might recommend the removal of one or more of your child’s teeth if:
- A tooth has spots of extensive decay or damage.
- There is overcrowding, and we must remove one or more teeth to make room for orthodontic treatment.
- A primary (baby) tooth did not fall out on time, and we must remove it to make room for an incoming adult tooth.
- There is an infection in a tooth, and an extraction is the only way to prevent the problem from spreading.
- A tooth is impacted (we often refer patients to local specialists for the removal of impacted teeth).
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The tooth extraction procedure is usually pretty straightforward. We start by numbing your child’s mouth. In some cases, we also administer sedation. Once your child is comfortable, we use an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Then, we grasp the tooth with forceps and wiggle it in order to break the connective tissues keeping it in place. Once the tooth is out, we clean the socket and place some gauze in it to control bleeding.
If your child needs to have a permanent tooth extracted, we may talk about future tooth replacement options. If a baby tooth is removed, we might recommend the use of a space maintainer so other teeth do not drift out of place and interfere with the development of an incoming adult tooth.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Here are some things you can do to contribute to a smooth recovery for your child:
- Give them appropriate doses of pain medication (along with any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics).
- Stock up on soft foods that require little to no chewing.
- Do not let your child drink out of a straw.
- Prepare some activities for your child that require limited physical exertion (vigorous activity should be avoided for at least a few days).
- Give them extra pillows to prop their head up while they are resting.
- Bring your child to all recommended follow-up appointments.