As dentists, we do everything we can to save natural teeth. However, there are some problems where we must remove these teeth to improve patients’ oral health. Sometimes, problems with permanent tooth eruption, misalignment, tooth decay, or even wisdom teeth require extraction. We recommend pediatric tooth extraction in our Worcester, MA, office if children have these problems.
Our office ensures patients feel comfortable during their Children’s Dental Specialties extraction treatment. Dr. Dan Moheban works with Dr. Patrick McCarty to provide dental sedation for comfortable care. We also understand that losing a tooth can be scary for kids. Our caring and compassionate knows how to comfort your child when they’re feeling anxious about extractions.
We do our best to help parents feel comfortable throughout the process. Our office maintains a calm environment and thoroughly answers any questions and concerns. In addition to wisdom tooth extractions for children, we provide pediatric dental care services to new and existing patients.
Types of Tooth Extraction in Worcester, MA
During their childhood and teen years, your kids may experience one or more of the following types of extractions.
Extractions of Primary Teeth
Primary tooth extractions are the most common type of tooth for children. Baby teeth act as placeholders for your child’s permanent teeth.
Around age five or six, your child will begin to lose their baby teeth. Typically, kids get all their adult teeth in by the time they’re 12 years old. During those six years, the primary teeth will become loose.
As the permanent teeth emerge, they cause the roots of the baby teeth to resorb. Since the roots are the anchors that keep the teeth in the jawbone, the teeth become loose and eventually fall out.
Sometimes, the baby teeth don’t become loose. In those cases, it’s best for a pediatric dentist in Worcester, MA, to extract the tooth. Not removing baby teeth can interfere with permanent tooth eruption, lead to crooked teeth, and create a misaligned bite.
Orthodontic Extractions
Sometimes, a child will need orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth or misalignment but will not have enough space in their mouth. To properly align the teeth, they need more room. If true for your child, we may remove teeth to create more space. Such extractions are common in orthodontics.
Once we remove a problem tooth, your child will have more room for their tooth to move properly. We will recommend braces treatment after the extraction to help treat problems like misalignment or overcrowding.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
We recommend wisdom tooth evaluations for patients between the ages of 16 and 18 years old. Wisdom teeth are the final teeth to grow. Most people don’t have enough space in their mouths for these teeth to emerge properly.
Impacted wisdom teeth can make it hard to brush and floss properly. This puts your child at risk for dental decay and gum disease.
Additionally, the wisdom teeth can push against the molars in front of them, leading to root resorption of that tooth. Impacted teeth in the bone can develop a cyst or infection. This can cause jaw or tooth pain. We recommend removing these teeth before they cause a problem.
Extractions because of Dental Disease
Your child can lose a tooth because of tooth decay. Rampant or deep dental decay can cause toothaches and infections. Sometimes, we cannot provide a root canal or filling on a severely damaged tooth. The tooth will need to come out, so the dentist or oral surgeon will extract it.
Post-Op Tooth Extraction
Your child will heal a few days or a week after their tooth extraction. They will not feel pain during their dental extraction. However, it’s normal to experience swelling and sensitivity after treatment.
We recommend that your child eats soft foods directly after treatment. Foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are simple to eat. Eating these foods will minimize discomfort. We will not recommend that your child eats food as their mouth is still numb as they can bite their lips or soft tissues.
Your child should not use a straw or rinse their mouth as they heal. They can dislodge protective blood clots that form over the tooth socket.
Blood clots will cover and protect the nerves as the extraction sites heal. If these blood clots do not form or dislodge, your child can experience dry socket. This condition is highly painful, and the only treatment is pain medication.
Keep gauze over the area until the bleeding stops. Like blood clots, gauze will protect the extraction sites.
Comfortable Care For Your Child
Our office understands that dental treatments can be scary for children. Before your child visits our office, talk with them about what they can expect in the office.
Our office aims to create a calming environment for all ages. We also provide anesthetic and sedation depending on the type of tooth extraction. In addition to these dental tools, we will talk to your child about their treatment. We also welcome bringing toys, blankets, or music with headphones to help calm your child.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Learn more about tooth extraction treatment in Worcester, MA, with answers to these common questions:
Should you pull your child’s baby teeth?
One of the most common questions from parents is: Do we need a pediatric dentist to extract our child’s baby teeth? In many cases, no — all you need to do is sit back and let nature take its course. Your child can wiggle the tooth to help it, but that’s where the “help” should stop.
Do not pull the tooth out, as you risk pain, bleeding, and swelling. The tooth will come out when ready. However, pediatric tooth extractions may be necessary if your child’s tooth is not loose or doesn’t come out when it should. Our dentist can advise you when each tooth should fall out.
Can my child eat after their extraction?
Yes, your child can eat after their tooth extraction in our Worcester, MA, dental office. However, you should wait at least 2 to 3 hours before letting your child eat anything. This helps the blood clot form properly in the empty tooth socket. When they do eat, choose soft foods that are easy to chew. Good options include mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods like chips, nuts, or candy for a few days. These can irritate the extraction site. Also, make sure the food isn’t too hot. Very hot foods can cause discomfort and may hurt the healing area.
Will my child feel pain during the extraction?
Your child shouldn’t feel pain during a tooth extraction. Before our dentist removes the tooth, he will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This means that while your child might feel some pressure or movement, they shouldn’t feel any sharp pain.
After the extraction, it’s normal for your child to feel some discomfort or mild pain as the numbing wears off. We will recommend pain relief medicine to help with this. Be sure to follow our instructions for aftercare to keep your child comfortable during the healing process.
How long does it take a child to heal from a tooth extraction?
It usually takes about 5 to 7 days for a child to heal from a tooth extraction. However, the exact healing time can vary depending on a few factors, like the type of tooth that was removed and how well your child takes care of their mouth afterward.
Generally, the extraction site will feel feel better after a week. However, it can take a few weeks for the extraction site to heal fully inside the mouth.
When can my child brush their teeth after a tooth extraction?
Don’t brush the extraction site for the first 24 hours. This helps the blood clot form properly. When your child brushes the next day, they should brush their other teeth normally but be gentle around the area where the tooth was taken out.
A soft-bristled toothbrush is best to avoid irritating the extraction site. When brushing, your child should be careful not to rinse their mouth too hard, because this can disturb the blood clot.
What do I do if my child develops dry socket?
If your child develops a dry socket after a tooth extraction, it’s important to contact their dentist right away. A dry socket happens when the blood clot that should form in the empty tooth space either comes loose or doesn’t form properly. This can lead to pain and slow healing.
First, let our office know about your child’s symptoms. In the meantime, you can give your child over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with discomfort. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label. Ensure your child sticks to soft foods and drinks and avoids anything crunchy, sticky, or hot, as these can irritate the area.
Our dentist may need to clean the area and place a special dressing to help it heal. He will provide instructions on how to care for the site afterward.
Can my child go to school after their tooth extraction?
We recommend that you wait at least one day before your child goes back to school. After the extraction, your child might feel tired or a bit uncomfortable. It’s a good idea to let them rest at home for the first day to help them recover.
If your child has any pain, it may be harder for them to focus at school. Make sure to follow the dentist’s advice on pain relief before they go back. Your child may need special foods, like soft foods, after the extraction. If they’re not ready to eat at school, it might be better to keep them home. If the dentist gives any special instructions about aftercare, it may be easier to manage these at home.
What should my child avoid after their tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, your child should avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods like chips, nuts, and chewy candies. These can irritate the extraction site.
They should also avoid hot foods and drinks for the first few days, as they can cause discomfort and may dislodge the blood clot. Your child should not use straws for at least a week. Sucking on a straw can create pressure that might disturb the blood clot and lead to a dry socket.
Encourage your child to be gentle when rinsing their mouth. Hard rinsing can also disturb the blood clot. Also, remind your child not to touch or poke the area with their tongue or fingers, as this can introduce bacteria and irritate the site.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Does your child have sudden or chronic tooth pain? Schedule a dental appointment online or call our office today at (508) 625-5534. We will help determine if your child requires a tooth extraction in Worcester, MA. Our office may also recommend other treatments to address their symptoms.