What
Happens if My Child Needs a Tooth Pulled?

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we never spare any effort to repair a damaged tooth. However, there are times when pulling out a tooth is the only viable option. If we determine that extracting a tooth is your child’s best option, our kid-friendly team will ensure your child’s experience is comfortable and free of stress before, during, and after the procedure.

Why Would Your Child Require a Tooth Extraction?

Baby teeth may require simple extraction due to many reasons, the most common of which is extensive decay or damage. If not treated, the decay can spread to the nerve and cause severe pain or a serious infection. If the damage is beyond repair, we may have no choice but to remove the affected tooth.

Other reasons your child may need to have a tooth pulled out include irreparable damage due to trauma, an abscessed or severely infected tooth, or a baby tooth interfering with the eruption of its permanent replacement. We sometimes need to extract one or more baby teeth as a component of an orthodontic treatment plan to make room for the remaining teeth to shift into alignment.

What Should You Expect?

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we utilize modern dentistry techniques to provide quick and simple tooth extractions. We start by administering local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. If your little one is anxious, let us know. We are happy to provide nitrous oxide sedation to help your child relax during treatment. Your little one will remain awake and responsive to directions.

Once your child is comfortable, we will gently remove the affected tooth, and your child will not feel a thing. Children typically resume their normal activities after 24 hours.

Promoting Healing After a Baby Tooth Extraction

For about two to three days post-extraction, make sure your child avoids carbonated beverages and sucking through a straw. Offer soft foods like gelatin, yogurt, or mashed potatoes while steering away from hard or crunchy foods, including pretzels, crackers, or popcorn.

If your child complains of any discomfort, use your pediatrician-approved pain medication for relief. If, however, swelling develops, place a cold compress on the area and contact our office immediately for guidance.

What Is a Space Maintainer?

Leaving a gap in your child’s smile can be a serious matter. The neighboring teeth may shift and drift toward the space, leading to crooked teeth and problems with the bite. Depending on the location of the extracted tooth, we may recommend placing a space maintainer. The dental appliance will help hold the adjacent teeth and jaw in position until the permanent tooth comes in. Space maintainers help reduce or even eliminate the need for orthodontic treatments down the road.

Teeth Extractions Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If your child has a damaged or painful tooth, visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for a consultation. We will do everything possible to save your little one’s tooth. If, however, removing the affected tooth is our only viable option, you can count on our team for gentle, compassionate care. Call us today!