It may seem as if children’s tooth extractions in Garland are unnecessary; however, when talking to a pediatric dentist, this common procedure can be quite beneficial. In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons for a child to have a tooth extracted as well as what you can do to prepare yours should they need one as well as appropriate aftercare tips for a successful recovery.
Your Child’s Teeth: 4 Reasons They Might Need One Removed
Having a tooth removed never sounds like a fun and exciting experience. It can be hard enough for an adult to learn they need this procedure, but a child can experience an even wider range of emotions. As a parent, you may wonder if this removal process is even necessary. The truth is that there are instances in which extracting a tooth will put your child’s smile in a better position.
Some of the most common reasons a Garland pediatric dentist might recommend this type of treatment include:
- There is severe dental decay affecting a particular tooth, and it cannot be treated with a dental filling, crown, or root canal
- They suffered facial trauma that causes the tooth to no longer be viable
- Your child is preparing for orthodontic treatment, and extracting the tooth will ensure more successful results
- Your child’s teeth are overcrowded, and one or more teeth are impacting the jaw’s ability to develop correctly
Getting Them Ready: What You Can Do to Prepare Your Child
Depending on the type of extraction your child needs, they will undergo either a simple or surgical procedure. During the meeting with your child’s dentist, you can expect to receive a breakdown of pre-procedure instructions that will explain when your child should stop consuming food and/or beverages.
Also, you will find it helpful to use positive language and a more upbeat tone when discussing the procedure. You don’t want to scare your little one in any way, so making sure you remain encouraging can be helpful.
If your child has a special stuffed animal or blanket they prefer to bring with them, most dentists will allow for it to help minimize any potential anxiety.
Successful Recovery: Tips to Ensure Swift Healing
Once the procedure is complete, your child will remain numb for several hours until the anesthesia wears off, but an over-the-counter pain reliever can reduce any discomfort. You’ll be responsible for changing out their gauze until the bleeding subsides (usually every 20 minutes), and a cold compress can bring down any swelling.
Another important factor is to feed your child soft foods for the first few days and avoid the use of any straws, as this can dislodge the blood clot(s).
A tooth extraction may not be what you want your child to endure but with expert dental professionals and careful guidance for at-home recovery, you can make sure their smile remains on the right track.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Preece is a board-certified pediatric dentist who understands the concerns of parents. When recommended tooth extraction for a young patient, he will explain the reason as well as how the process works. Our team will then offer tips and guidance on how to keep your child comfortable and healing nicely while at home. Visit our website or call (972) 309-9992 to let us help you become more familiar with this procedure should your child need one.