As dentists, we do everything we can to save natural teeth. 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 team 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 removal 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.
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 our dentist or oral surgeon will extract it.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Extraction
1. Consultation
Dr. Moheban will examine your child’s teeth and X-rays to determine if an extraction is needed. He will discuss the reasons and answer all your questions. He will also explain the sedation options and help you choose the best one for your child.
2. Preparation
We will discuss the best sedation option for your child (local anesthesia or general anesthesia with Dr. McCarty). We will explain the process to you and your child in simple, reassuring terms. We will also give you instructions on what to do before the appointment (like not eating or drinking).
3. The Procedure
Dr. Moheban will gently and skillfully remove the tooth. If using the “mask only” method, your child will be comfortably asleep before the extraction begins. The procedure itself is quick. You can wait nearby and check on your child as soon as it’s done.
4. Recovery
Your child will rest in our comfortable recovery area until they are ready to go home. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions. Your child may feel tired or have some mild discomfort, but we will give you clear guidance on how to help them feel better.
Aftercare: Helping Your Child Heal
Your child will heal in a few days to a week after their tooth extraction. Here is how you can help them recover comfortably:
What to Eat and Drink:
- Wait at least 2 to 3 hours before your child eats or drinks anything. This helps the blood clot form properly.
- Start with soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies.
- Avoid hot, hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for a few days.
- Do not use straws for at least a week. Sucking on a straw can disturb the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
What to Do:
- Keep gauze over the area until the bleeding stops.
- Have your child rest for the first day after the procedure.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
- Give your child pain relievers as recommended by Dr. Moheban.
What to Avoid:
- Don’t brush or rinse the extraction site for the first 24 hours.
- When brushing the next day, be gentle around the area.
- Don’t let your child touch or poke the extraction site with their tongue or fingers.
- Don’t use straws, spit forcefully, or rinse their mouth vigorously.
Comfortable Care For Your Child
Dr. Moheban has extensive experience caring for children of all needs, including those with dental anxiety or special healthcare needs. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a safe, calm, and supportive environment for every child. Let us know about your child’s needs during the consultation.
We also provide anesthetic and sedation depending on the type of tooth extraction. In addition to these dental tools, we’ll talk to your child about their treatment. We also welcome bringing toys, blankets, or music with headphones to help calm your child.
Patient Review
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Learn more about tooth extraction treatment in Worcester, MA, with answers to these common questions.
Should I pull my child’s baby tooth at home?
In most cases, no. Let nature take its course. Your child can wiggle the tooth gently, but you should never pull it out yourself. Pulling a tooth too early can cause pain, bleeding, and swelling. If the tooth isn’t coming out on its own, we can remove it safely in our office.
Can my child eat after their extraction?
Yes, your child can eat after a 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 your child does 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?
No. We use local anesthetic to numb the area, so your child will not feel sharp pain. They may feel some pressure or movement, but that’s normal. After the numbing wears off, they may have some mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does it take a child to heal from a tooth extraction?
It usually takes about 5 to 7 days for the initial healing. The extraction site may take a few weeks to fully heal inside the mouth. Following our aftercare instructions will help your child heal faster and more comfortably.
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. The next day, when your child brushes, 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, call us 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. You can give your child over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with discomfort.
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. Let your child 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 our dentist’s advice on pain relief before they go back. Your child may need to eat soft foods for several days. If your child isn’t ready to eat at school, it might be better to keep them home.
Call for Safe and Gentle Tooth Removal
Does your child have sudden or chronic tooth pain? Dr. Moheban can provide a gentle tooth extraction for your child in Worcester, MA. Schedule a dental appointment with him online. You can also call Children’s Dental Specialties today at (508) 625-5534.