Extractions
In Modesto

teeth extractions for children

Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove a tooth. Your child's tooth should only be extracted if it's fractured beyond repair due to decay or an injury. At our Modesto children's dental practice, we care about your family's oral hygiene and can help extract your kid's troubling teeth to restore their adorable smile. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment today!

teeth extractions in Modesto

Did you know…

Did you know: About 42% of children aged 11 and below suffer from dental decay in their primary teeth?

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Common Causes of teeth extraction in children

Tooth Decay

Primary teeth are highly susceptible to tooth decay, which often leads to extractions. This is because children's tooth enamel is incredibly fragile.

Crowded Adult teeth

If a child's teeth remain fixed for a long time, they can crowd adult teeth. Extracting crowded teeth allows for teeth repositioning.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis often results in swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gum tissue. If overlooked, gingivitis can cause pediatric periodontal disease (PD), which affects the jawbone and gums. Severe cases of PD can lead to extractions.

Injury

Tooth damage resulting from accidents, faulty dental restorations, or falls can contribute to tooth extractions. Our professionals at First Smiles Children's Dentistry will examine your child to check for cracks, chips, and other damages and perform an extraction where possible.

Orthodontic treatment

If your little one is getting an orthodontic treatment like braces, extraction can help the success of the procedure.

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How Do I Prepare My Child For A Tooth Extraction?

Getting a tooth pulled can be extremely scary, especially to a child, but you can help make it easier by being transparent with them. Also, work with experienced children's dentists to ensure a smooth process. As a trusted pediatric dental clinic in Modesto, First Smiles Children's Dentistry strives to provide your child with the best treatment experience possible. For a successful tooth extraction process, be sure to prepare for post-procedure care.

What Does the Tooth Extraction Process Look like?

Dr. Chris Ha will take an x-ray to determine the severity of the tooth damage, and if it's beyond repair, it will be extracted. We will then give your child an antibiotic to combat any infection around the tooth. However, if your child is too nervous, we will prescribe anti-anxiety drugs before the procedure begins. We will then pull out the tooth and let your child bite on a piece of gauze to stop bleeding.

What’s Next After the Tooth Extraction?

After a successful tooth extraction procedure, your kids dentist in Modesto will prescribe a painkiller to help reduce jaw pain. In some cases, we may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent swelling. And after that, ensure your child does not eat any hard foods for the initial 24 hours. Let your child rinse their mouth with salt water to enable the stitches to heal quickly, mostly within two weeks.

Modesto children teeth extractions

Did you know…

Sedation options keep restless children calm while receiving dental treatment.

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How long does it take for a child to recover from a tooth extraction?

At First Smiles Children's Dentistry, we understand that parents may have concerns about their child's recovery after a tooth extraction. The recovery time can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction and the child's overall health. However, in most cases, children can expect to recover within a few days to a week.

After the extraction, it is normal for your child to experience some discomfort and swelling. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help manage any discomfort and promote a speedy recovery. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.

What are the healing and aftercare instructions for a tooth extraction?

After a tooth extraction, it is crucial to take proper care of the extraction site to promote healing and prevent any complications. Here are some general aftercare instructions that we recommend:

1. Bite on a gauze pad: Your child should gently bite on a gauze pad placed over the extraction site for about 30 minutes to help control bleeding. Replace the gauze pad as needed.

2. Apply cold compress: To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of the cheek near the extraction site. Use it for 10-15 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.

3. Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully: Encourage your child to avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for at least 24 hours after the extraction. This helps prevent dislodging the blood clot and promotes proper healing.

4. Soft foods and liquids: For the first few days, offer your child soft foods and liquids that do not require chewing. Avoid hot and spicy foods, as they may irritate the extraction site.

5. Proper oral hygiene: Continue to brush and floss your child's teeth, being careful to avoid the extraction site. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection.

6. Pain management: If your child experiences discomfort, you can give them over-the-counter pain relievers recommended by our dentist. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.

Remember, every child is unique, and their recovery may vary. If you have any concerns or questions during the healing process, do not hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to support you and ensure your child's comfort and well-being.

Will this be painful for my child?

We understand your concern about your child's comfort during a tooth extraction. At First Smiles Children's Dentistry, we prioritize your child's well-being and take every step to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience.

Before the extraction, our experienced dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures that your child does not feel any pain during the procedure. Our team is specially trained to work with children and will create a calm and reassuring environment to help ease any anxiety your child may have.

After the extraction, it is normal for your child to experience some discomfort and swelling. However, we will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort. Rest assured, we will be available to address any concerns or questions you may have during the recovery process.

Our goal is to provide a positive and pain-free dental experience for your child. If you have any specific concerns or questions about your child's tooth extraction, please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. We are here to support you and ensure your child's dental health.

Did you know…

All the 20 baby teeth will fall out before your child becomes an adult.

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