Home > Pediatric Dentistry > Extraction
When is extraction of baby teeth recommended?
There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement.
How is extraction done?
When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may schedule another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place with a extraction forceps.
Is extraction of baby teeth painful?
Your child will receive a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth so he/ she feel only pressure, not pain, during the procedure.
Any specific Instructions to follow after tooth extraction ?
- Do not rinse your child’s mouth for 12 hours afterwards. Your child can start brushing his or her teeth again gently the day afterwards.
- Try to discourage your child from fiddling with the socket – this includes poking it with fingers or anything else, and trying to feel it with his or her tongue or bit his lips and area under anesthesia.
- Your child will probably need to avoid hard foods for the first day or so, but after that, he or she should eat normal foods.
- Your child should avoid hot drinks or food for a few days.
- Your child may need to have pain relief medication for at least three days. Regular pain relief like paracetamol will usually be enough, but remember to follow the instructions on the bottle or packet or as prescriped by your doctor.
