We want your child’s teeth to stay healthy and strong, but sometimes, a tooth needs to be removed to keep their smile on track. Tooth extractions are common, and we make sure your child feels safe and comfortable the whole time.
Extractions are one of the pediatric dental services we provide to help protect your child’s smile and support healthy growth. Visit Dr. Moncy Mathew for expert extractions and wisdom teeth removal in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Why Would a Child Need a Tooth Pulled?
Dr. Mathew might recommend an extraction if:
- A tooth is too damaged: If a cavity is too big for a filling or crown, removing the tooth stops pain and infection.
- Teeth are too crowded: Sometimes, extra teeth (or teeth that are too big) block others from growing in right. Removing one can help the rest line up properly.
- A baby tooth won’t fall out: Baby teeth usually loosen and fall out on their own. But if one stays too long, it might need help making room for the adult tooth.
- There’s an infection: If a tooth is badly infected and the dentist can’t fix it, removing it keeps the infection from spreading.
- Wisdom teeth cause problems: Older kids and teens might need wisdom teeth removed if there’s no space for them. Without treatment, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain or damage other teeth.
We know extractions can sound scary, but our team makes it quick and gentle. If your child has tooth pain or you’re worried about their teeth, just give us a call and we’ll take care of the rest.
Pediatric Tooth Extractions in Lee’s Summit, MO
Removing a tooth or two is usually quick and much easier than you think. Here’s how it works:
- First, We Check Things Out: We’ll look at your child’s tooth and might take an X-ray to see it better. Dr. Mathew will explain why the tooth needs to come out and answer any questions.
- Staying Comfy: We’ll numb the area so your child won’t feel anything during the extraction. If it’s a bigger job (like wisdom teeth), we’ll team up with a specialist to help.
- The Quick Part: Dr. Mathew gently loosens the tooth and removes it. This usually only takes him just a few minutes!
- Aftercare Made Easy: There might be a little swelling or soreness, but kids’ medicine (like ibuprofen) helps. We’ll give you simple instructions for healing, like eating soft foods and keeping the area clean.
- We’ve Got Your Back: If needed, we’ll schedule a quick check-up to make sure everything’s healing right. We’ll also keep an eye on how their other teeth are growing in.
Most kids bounce back super fast after an extraction. They’re often back to normal by the next day! We’re happy to help with any questions you have.
All About Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth usually show up when you’re in your late teens or early 20s. They’re the very last teeth way in the back of your mouth, but guess what? Some people never even get them!
The trouble starts when there’s not enough room for these teeth to grow in properly. When that happens, they can get stuck under your gums. That can cause some problems like soreness, infections, or even damage to other teeth.
If your teen’s wisdom teeth are causing trouble, Dr. Mathew will team up with a specialist to remove them. They’ll make sure your teen is completely comfortable during the procedure with numbing medicine. Sometimes, if the teeth are growing in straight and have enough space, we might just leave them alone. But we’ll keep checking them at regular dental visits to make sure they stay problem-free.
Taking Care After Removal
After getting teeth removed, the most important thing is taking it easy and following our simple care instructions. There might be some mild discomfort, but regular pain relievers usually help enough. For the first couple days, stick to soft foods that won’t bother the area. Sorry, no chips or gum!
Rinsing gently with warm salt water helps everything stay clean. Your teen should take it easy for a day or two, and skip sports or rough activities. Do this, and healing should be quick and easy for everyone. Most patients feel much better within just a few days.
If you ever have questions, we’re always here to help. Schedule a dental exam for your child at Summit Pediatric Dentistry by calling 816-375-4539. You can also request an appointment online anytime, and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child be awake during the tooth extraction?
Yes, your child will be awake but completely comfortable. We use special numbing medicine so they won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some older kids or teens getting wisdom teeth out might have sedation options to help them relax more. We’ll explain all the choices beforehand so you and your child know exactly what to expect.
How long does the numbness last after the extraction?
The numbness usually lasts about 1-3 hours after the procedure. Your child might feel some tingling as it wears off, which is completely normal. We recommend waiting until the feeling comes back before eating to avoid accidentally biting their cheek or tongue. Drinking through a straw is also a bad idea until the numbness is gone.
Can my child go back to school after getting a tooth pulled?
Most kids can return to school the next day, but they might want to take it easy for the rest of the day after their extraction. If they had sedation or multiple teeth removed, we might suggest taking the whole day off. They should avoid PE and sports for at least 24 hours. It’s always best to listen to how your child feels and adjust accordingly.
What soft foods are best after an extraction?
Great options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smooth soups (not too hot). Pudding, ice cream without chunks or nuts, and milkshakes (no straws!) can be comforting treats too. Avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or that requires lots of chewing for at least a few days. We can give you a complete list of food ideas after the procedure.
How do we stop the bleeding after the tooth comes out?
We’ll place clean gauze over the area and have your child bite down gently to apply pressure. Change the gauze every 30-45 minutes if needed until the bleeding slows down. Some pinkish saliva is normal for a day or two. Give us a call right away if bleeding seems heavy after a few hours, but this rarely happens.
When can my child brush their teeth after an extraction?
They can brush their other teeth the same night, but should avoid the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After the first day, they can gently rinse with warm salt water before brushing near the area. Use a soft toothbrush and be extra careful around the healing spot for about a week. We’ll show them exactly how to clean safely at their appointment.
What if my child accidentally touches the extraction site?
Try to discourage poking at it with fingers or tongue because this can slow healing or cause pain. The blood clot that forms is important for healing, so we don’t want to disturb it. If the area starts bleeding again, use clean gauze with light pressure.
Can my child use mouthwash after an extraction?
Regular mouthwash is too strong for the first few days because it might irritate the area. Instead, we recommend gentle saltwater rinses starting the day after the procedure. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish very lightly. They can return to normal mouthwash after about a week when everything’s healed more.
How will we know if the extraction site gets infected?
Signs of infection include increasing pain after 2-3 days, bad taste in the mouth, swelling that gets worse, or fever. Some mild discomfort and swelling in the first two days is normal. White stuff around the area is usually just healing tissue. But if anything seems unusual or concerning, call us right away.
When can my child play sports or musical instruments after an extraction?
We recommend waiting at least 24 hours before any physical activity, and 2-3 days for contact sports. For wind instruments like flute or trumpet, wait about a week so the healing area isn’t disturbed. The same goes for swimming because the pool water could bother the extraction site. When in doubt, it’s better to wait an extra day or two.
If you ever have more questions, we’re always here to help. Schedule a dental exam for your child at Summit Pediatric Dentistry by calling 816-375-4539. You can also request an appointment online anytime, and we’ll get back to you shortly.