Getting Your Child Through an Extraction

While kids will lose their baby teeth naturally, your child’s dentist might recommend an extraction for certain oral health reasons. 

Our expert family and pediatric dentists make extractions easy for kids and their parents. At Hendricks Dental Specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee, our dentists use modern techniques and equipment for quick and comfortable pediatric dentistry procedures. When our team recommends an extraction for your child, you can rest assured that your child is in safe hands. 

We might recommend a tooth extraction for your child for many reasons. It could be because of a dental cavity or a severe tooth injury. Sometimes, extractions are necessary to make enough space for adult teeth or future orthodontic treatment. 

No matter the reason, getting your child through an extraction takes time and patience. Here are some tips for supporting your child. 

Knowing which type of extraction your child requires

There are different types of tooth extractions. At Hendricks Dental Specialists, our team examines your child’s mouth using dental X-rays to determine the most appropriate strategy. Your child might need:

Simple extraction

Simple extractions are more straightforward and less time-consuming. During a simple extraction, we loosen and remove a visible tooth using dental instruments. 

Surgical extraction

Surgical extraction is more complex because it involves cutting into the gums. If the tooth isn’t visible or hasn’t emerged above the gumline, your child needs a surgical extraction. 

Exploring options for anesthesia

Most pediatric dental extractions are performed using local anesthesia. It numbs the mouth but doesn’t sedate your child. However, sedation or general anesthesia might be available based on your child’s needs. Our team will discuss your child’s options with you before the procedure. 

Providing helpful aftercare

Proper aftercare is important for helping your child heal after a dental extraction. Our team provides detailed instructions for recovery. We advise you to:

• Feed your child soft, mild-temperature foods during recovery 
• Avoid straws and swishing liquids in the mouth for at least 24 hours
• Apply ice packs to control swelling
• Avoid touching the extraction site
• Make sure your child brushes the rest of their teeth gently
• Help your child gargle warm salt water after the first 24 hours

Following our instructions helps your child avoid complications that can prolong healing or require further dental treatment. We might ask that you bring your child in for a follow-up visit after an extraction. 

Using over-the-counter medications to manage pain

According to the American Dental Association, first-line treatments to manage short-term dental pain in children under 12 include common over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

By keeping these medications on hand, you’ll be prepared to help your child manage any lingering pain after a dental extraction. You can also use them to ease your child’s toothache when you can’t immediately get to our office. 

Read the labels carefully and consult us about using these medications after a dental extraction. Our team can advise you on using these medications properly to manage your child’s pain after a tooth extraction. 

Contact us today

For more information on pediatric dental extractions and how to get your child through the process, call Hendricks Dental Specialists or request an appointment online today.