Reasons for Kids’ Tooth Extractions

If your child needs a tooth extracted, don’t worry, it is one of the most common pediatric dentistry procedures for children.

A pediatric extraction is the surgical removal of a primary tooth. But why would a child need a primary tooth extracted? After all, their primary teeth, or baby teeth, are going to fall out on their own anyway.

Yes, it’s true; we do lose our baby teeth between the ages of 6 to 12. However, there are some instances when a primary tooth must be removed. The most common reason why a child would need a tooth extraction is when there is an abscess, or infection, under the tooth. Another common reason for extraction is when the cavity is so extensive that there is not enough healthy tooth structure left for a filling or crown.

If your child needs a tooth extracted, don’t worry, it is one of the most common pediatric dentistry procedures for children. Some of the most common reasons why your child might need his or her baby tooth removed include:

Tooth Decay

It is common for children to develop tooth decay. Cavities often form on a child’s molars because tooth enamel is fragile. Children often don’t follow good dental health care practices, making their teeth more prone to decay.

When tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health infections. For example, if a baby tooth becomes infected, the bacteria can spread to their developing adult teeth and affect development.

By extracting the tooth in these instances, it can prevent swelling, pain, and infection.

Trauma or Injury

If a child is involved in an accident and their primary teeth are damaged from trauma or injury, more than one tooth may need to be extracted. Depending on the severity of the damage, the tooth may be saved by adding a full-coverage crown. However, a mouth injury typically results in extraction and is replaced with a spacer until the adult tooth grows in.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis causes inflammation in the gingival tissue. It causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. This is a serious oral condition that affects the gums and jawbone.

When gum disease is severe, it can lead to loose teeth, severe bleeding, and receding gums. When this occurs, tooth extractions are often necessary.

Don’t Wait for Your Child to Be In Pain

If your child is complaining of pain or a sensitive tooth, don’t wait. Call our office for an evaluation immediately. If your child complains of pain while eating or drinking, this may indicate that your child has a large cavity near the nerve center of the tooth.

Do not ignore tooth infections. If there is swelling in your child’s face or lips, the cavity-causing bacteria is making its way to the bone underneath the tooth. In extreme cases, tooth infections require hospitalization.

Schedule Your Appointment

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that children, like adults, face anxiety when going to the dentist. This is especially true of tooth extraction.

When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Behl will work with you to decide which option is the best for your child, depending on their anxiety level and cooperation. We look forward to meeting you!