Pediatric Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction consists of the complete removal of the tooth from the patient’s mouth. Tooth extractions in children might consist of anything from a simple manual removal to a small surgery. 

The most common problems that result in a tooth removed are deep decay that has entered the nerve of the tooth , a fall or other impact breaking the tooth and damaging the nerve, or a baby tooth getting in the way of a permanent tooth trying to grow. These are all typical and often-seen oral issues in pediatric dentistry.

Teeth extractions have been performed for millennia, but the procedural techniques have changed drastically over time. Today, they are streamlined, safe, and easy to recover from.

Sometimes, when required, our pediatric dentists might suggest to have an oral surgeon experienced with children, perform the extraction. This will depend on many factors that will be reviewed and discussed with the parents in depth.

Every tooth extraction is different depending on the age of the child, the reason for the extraction and the tooth that needs to be extracted. Our pediatric dentist will evaluate all of these variable and will use the appropriate technique as well as the best behavior management for the case.

When a baby tooth needs to be extracted much earlier than its natural exfoliation time, your pediatric dentist may recommend the placement of a space maintainer to hold the space for the permanent tooth to erupt in the future. The type of space maintainer to be placed will be discussed between our pediatric dentist, orthodontist, and the parents.