As a parent, it’s important to make sure your child’s teeth are healthy and strong. A tooth extraction is sometimes necessary to ensure proper oral health and development for children and teens. While the idea of removing a tooth might seem scary, tooth extractions are a common procedure, and they are often needed to prevent future dental problems.
Tooth extractions are typically recommended by Dr. Mathew when there are dental health issues that cannot be fixed with other treatments. Here are some common reasons why a child or teen may need a tooth extracted:
-
Severe Tooth Decay: If a tooth has too much decay and can’t be saved with a filling or crown, it may need to be removed. Severe tooth decay can cause a tooth to break down, making it difficult to repair. Removing the tooth helps prevent infection and further damage to surrounding teeth.
-
Crowding or Misalignment: Sometimes, a child may have extra teeth or teeth that are too large for their mouth. This can cause overcrowding, which may prevent other teeth from coming in properly. In some cases, a dentist will recommend removing one or more teeth to make room for the permanent teeth to grow in correctly.
- Primary Teeth Not Falling Out: Baby teeth (also called primary teeth) typically fall out on their own to make room for permanent teeth. However, if a baby tooth doesn’t fall out as it should, it can block the growth of a permanent tooth. In this case, the dentist may remove the primary tooth early to help the permanent tooth come in properly.
- Infection or Abscess: When a tooth becomes infected and is not treatable with antibiotics or other dental treatments, it may need to be extracted. An abscessed tooth can cause significant, sudden pain and may lead to serious health issues if not treated. Removing the infected tooth helps prevent the infection from spreading.
- Wisdom Teeth: As children grow older, their third molars, or wisdom teeth, begin to develop. These teeth are located at the back of the mouth and are the last to come in. Sometimes, there isn’t enough space in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to come in properly, which can cause pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. In these cases, Dr. Mathew may recommend removing the wisdom teeth to avoid future dental problems.
Wisdom Teeth Development
Wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge in the late teen years or early twenties. They are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth, and not everyone develops wisdom teeth. When these teeth don’t have enough space to grow properly, they can become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gum line and unable to come in normally.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, such as:
- Pain or swelling in the gums
- Infection or abscesses
- Damage to nearby teeth or roots
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
If your teen’s wisdom teeth are impacted, Dr. Mathew will work with a local oral surgeon to have the teeth extracted. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, and the oral surgeon will remove the tooth or teeth. In some cases, if the wisdom teeth are healthy and there is enough room for them, Dr. Mathew may suggest leaving them in place. However, regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the development of wisdom teeth.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
If your child or teen needs a tooth extraction, the procedure is generally quick and straightforward. Here’s what to expect:
- Consultation: Before the extraction, the pediatric dentist will examine your child’s teeth and may take an X-ray to understand the position of the tooth. The dentist will discuss the reason for the extraction and explain the process.
- Anesthesia: To keep your child comfortable, Dr. Mathew will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If multiple teeth need to be removed or wisdom teeth are to be extracted, Dr. Mathew will coordinate care with a local oral surgeon.
- Extraction Process: During the procedure, Dr. Mathew will loosen the tooth from the gum and bone and then gently remove it. The process usually takes just a few minutes.
- Recovery: After the extraction, your child may experience some swelling or discomfort, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Dr. Mathew will provide instructions on how to care for the extraction site, including tips on keeping the area clean and avoiding certain foods.
- Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to make sure the area is healing properly. We will also monitor the development of any remaining teeth, including the wisdom teeth.
Aftercare and Recovery
After tooth extraction, it’s important to follow our aftercare instructions to help ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Patients may experience some discomfort, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by Dr. Mathew.
For the first few days, avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate the extraction site is best. Gently rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Your child or teen should rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 to 48 hours to promote healing. By following these simple steps, your child can recover comfortably and quickly.