Children’s Tooth Extractions Katy
When Problem Teeth Have to Go
Ideally, your child should only lose teeth as a result of nature, but sometimes our team has to intervene in cases where a tooth is too decayed or broken to be repaired. We don’t recommend children's tooth extractions in Katy lightly, even for baby teeth, and they only serve as a last option once every other treatment has been ruled out. Between Dr. Mehta’s gentle touch and our sedation dentistry options, she is an expert at keeping kids comfortable during this often-feared procedure. In fact, she is so good that many children end up saying, “Wait…that’s it?!”
Why Choose Wellspring Pediatric Dentistry for Children’s Extractions?
- Led by Award-Winning, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments Available
- Multiple Sedation Dentistry Options for Nervous Kids
Reasons Why Children’s Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Our team might recommend one or more extractions for your child if:
- A tooth is so decayed or damaged that it cannot be restored via a filling, crown, or other conservative means.
- An infection in a tooth is at risk of spreading to neighboring teeth, the jaw, or throughout the rest of the body.
- Decay has weakened the root of a tooth and made it unstable.
- More room is needed to create space for orthodontics.
- A baby tooth has overstayed its welcome and is interfering with the emergence of permanent teeth.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The process of removing a tooth is surprisingly easy! First, our team will numb your child’s mouth. We may also administer sedation to calm their fears and make the procedure as easy as possible. Then, we will use a tool called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Dr. Mehta will grip the tooth with forceps and gently remove it. Once we clean the socket and place some gauze to manage bleeding, the procedure is over!
Depending on which tooth we removed, your child might require tooth replacement or a space maintainer to prevent their other teeth from drifting out of place and preserve optimal dental function. Dr. Mehta will discuss these possibilities with you after she has a chance to examine your child and formulate a treatment plan for them.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Most kids feel normal within a few days to a week after an extraction. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to make your child’s recovery a bit easier:
- Encourage your child to rest and avoid physical activity for the first 24 hours after the extraction.
- Apply a cold pack to the outside of their cheek in 15-minute intervals to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Give prescribed pain medication or children's acetaminophen as directed by our team to manage pain.
- Provide soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes, and avoid hot or crunchy foods.
- Remind your child not to touch or poke the extraction site with their tongue or fingers.
- Ensure they do not drink through a straw, since suction may disturb healing.
- Encourage gentle rinsing with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean.
- Monitor the extraction site for unusual bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection, and contact our team if needed.