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.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Fortunately, modern anesthetics are quite effective. Your child should feel no more than some light pressure as we work to remove their tooth. However, if they have a history of sensitivity, anxiety, or other such challenges that can make sitting in the patient’s chair uncomfortable, we can also provide nitrous oxide, oral conscious, or IV sedation. The best method for them will depend on their health history and unique circumstances of their challenges, so if you believe your child would benefit from dental sedation, please give us a call ahead of time, and we’ll make the proper arrangements.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
We typically only recommend tooth extractions in Katy when other options won’t be effective. In other words, while there are technically alternatives, by the time your child needs an extraction, it’s best to have their tooth removed.
Rest assured, if we believe it’s at all possible to salvage your child’s natural tooth structure, we’ll let you know. Treatments like root canals, crowns, and fillings can be solutions for infection, damage, and decay in some cases.
What Are My Child’s Options for Replacing Their Missing Tooth?
It depends. If a baby tooth was extracted, we might just recommend a special space-maintainer that will prevent their remaining teeth from drifting out of place until their adult tooth emerges. Otherwise, a dental bridge will probably be the best option. Bridges involve between one and four replacement teeth that are connected together in a row, along with two crowns on either side that will use your child’s natural pearly whites as anchors for the restoration. In rare cases, a partial denture may also be an option. Unlike a bridge, a partial denture can replace multiple missing teeth that aren’t necessarily in a row.
Regardless of your child’s unique oral situation, we’ll be sure to review all of their options for tooth replacement so you can both make an informed decision.
How Should I Prepare My Child for Tooth Extraction?
Every child’s needs are a little different, but rest assured, your pediatric dentist in Katy will give you thorough guidelines for helping them prepare for their treatment. These might include things like helping your child take a prescription medication or telling them to avoid food a few hours before their appointment. You can also bring comfort items that will help your child relax, and if they’re old enough, they may be able to take ibuprofen before and after their extraction to mitigate soreness.