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Pediatric Extractions In Virginia Beach

Safely Pulling Your Child’s Tooth

While we do everything in our power to preserve your child’s teeth here at Beach Kids Dentistry, sometimes, our dentists will determine that a tooth cannot be restored and may require extraction or removal. If the tooth has severe decay, is impacted or has another structural issue, we will determine that extraction is the best option for your child.

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Reasons For Pediatric Tooth Extractions

There are many reasons why your child might need a tooth to be extracted, but it is often the last resort. However, if our dentists find that it is necessary, it will be for one of the following reasons:

Severe Tooth Decay: Since baby teeth are more delicate than adult teeth, they are more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. If the tooth is severely decayed and unable to be saved, an extraction will be the best option.
Overcrowding: Sometimes, extractions may be necessary if your child has moderate to severe overcrowding. Overcrowding can cause problems with the spacing of your child’s teeth and their bite. An extraction can help solve these problems and improve your child’s oral hygiene, as well.
Trauma: If your child has had an accident that has caused significant trauma to the tooth, an extraction may be necessary.

What To Expect During An Extraction

During an extraction, we will administer local anesthesia to keep your child comfortable and free of pain during the procedure. If needed, we will also provide medication or nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, to help your child feel at ease.

To extract the tooth, your child’s dentist will loosen the tooth with a tool called an elevator and will then extract the tooth with forceps. Then, we will press down on the socket with a piece of gauze to help stop any bleeding and promote clotting.

We understand that tooth extractions can be nerve-wracking for both patients and their parents. That’s why we make sure that your child is as comfortable as possible during the procedure and that you are knowledgeable about how to care for your child after their extraction.

Extraction Aftercare

After your child’s extraction, we recommend following all post-op instructions and advice given to you by our dentists to ensure your child has a smooth recovery. If your child experiences discomfort, it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Some common post-operative questions include:

What can my child eat?

We recommend that your child stick to soft, cold foods. Jell-O, pudding, ice cream, smoothies, protein shakes and mashed potatoes are all great options. Avoid giving your child anything hard, sticky, or hot so that your child can heal as fast as possible. Please also avoid giving your child any drinks with a straw.

Can I apply an ice pack to my child’s face?

Yes! You will want to apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, with 15-minute breaks in between as needed. Remember to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent it from being too cold. This will help with any swelling after the extraction and should be done for the first 36 hours after the procedure.

What should my child avoid while recovering?

Your child should avoid spitting and using mouthwash for 24 hours after the procedure.

Should I expect any bleeding?

It is normal for a child to experience some bleeding after a tooth extraction. Please remember that when blood is mixed with saliva, it will look worse than it actually is. We will give you some extra gauze, which your child can bite down on to help stop the bleeding for 20 minutes at a time. If your child has continual bleeding for 48 hours, please call our office.

At Beach Kids Dentistry, we want what is best for your child and their dental care. We also understand that talking to your kid about an upcoming extraction can be difficult. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s extractions, aftercare, or how to talk to your child about their procedure beforehand, we encourage you to call us at (757) 467-7797.

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Sea The Beach Kids Dentistry Difference

We believe that a lifetime of healthy smiles begins with a positive and fun dental experience. Our kid-friendly office and experienced pediatric dentists are here to provide compassionate, patient-focused and specialized pediatric dental care.

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