Dental Extractions for Children & Teens

Extractions are sometimes necessary to make room for permanent teeth. If your child's baby teeth haven't fallen out by the time their permanent teeth are ready to come in, the permanent teeth may come in crooked. In this case, the baby tooth would need to be removed so that the permanent tooth can grow into the mouth correctly. There are a few reasons why your teen might need to have a tooth extracted. If their tooth is severely decayed, damaged, or infected, an extraction may be the best course of action to take in order to preserve their oral health. Additionally, if your teen has wisdom teeth that are coming in at an awkward angle or causing overcrowding, their dentist may recommend extracting them. Lastly, if your child has any baby teeth that haven't fallen out on their own by a certain age, they may need to be extracted in order for the permanent tooth to come in properly. If you're not sure whether or not your teen needs to have a tooth extracted, be sure to ask Dr. Morales for more information.

Types of Extractions

There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is visible in the mouth and can be removed with basic dental instruments. A surgical extraction is necessary when a tooth is not visible or it is difficult to remove. Impacted teeth, teeth stuck beneath the gum line, usually require surgery. Wisdom teeth are a common example of teeth that may need to be surgically extracted.

  • Baby Teeth

    Most baby teeth eventually fall out on their own, but there are some situations where they may need to be extracted sooner. If a baby tooth becomes loose due to decay, your dentist may recommend removing it so that the permanent tooth can come in without any problems. For example, baby teeth that are preventing permanent teeth from coming in may need to be extracted.

  • Permanent Teeth

    Permanent teeth can be extracted for a variety of reasons. If a tooth is too damaged to be repaired, it may need to be removed. Teeth that are severely infected may also need to be extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth are the most common type of tooth extraction for adults. Orthodontic treatment may also require extracting permanent teeth to create enough space.

  • Prep

    It's important to help your child or teen understand what will happen during their tooth extraction. This way, they can be prepared for the procedure and know what to expect afterward. During the extraction, your child will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. They may also be given a sedative if they are anxious or have a fear of needles.

  • Process

    No matter what type of tooth is being extracted, the process is generally the same. Dr. Josh will numb the area around the tooth and then use dental instruments to loosen it before gently removing it. After the tooth is extracted, Dr. Josh will provide instructions for caring for the extraction site. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. 

  • Aftercare

    After the procedure, your child will need to rest for a few hours. It's important to make sure they drink plenty of fluids, eat soft foods and avoid straws or sucking on hard candy for at least 24 hours, as these can cause more bleeding. Your child may experience some discomfort and swelling, which is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.