As a child, losing a tooth might mean an exciting visit from the tooth fairy. As a parent, however, it can be scary to hear your child may need to have a tooth pulled. Our young patients’ health and best interests are always our top priority, so we will discuss every option with parents before making a decision about extractions. Here are several reasons why an extraction may be an option:
Trauma
If your child has chipped or cracked a tooth with the permanent tooth close to erupting, we may recommend an extraction.
Disease
When tooth decay goes unattended and reaches the center of the tooth, it can infect blood vessels, nerves, gums and even the jawbone beneath. We will assess the tooth carefully to determine the best course of action.
Orthodontic Preparation
Excessive crowding in a child’s mouth doesn’t allow room for permanent teeth to erupt where they are supposed to. Removing baby teeth can leave more space for permanent teeth to grow in, which is especially helpful during orthodontic treatment.
Stubborn Baby Teeth
Sometimes baby teeth will refuse to fall out on their own, making it either difficult for permanent teeth to come in or causing permanent teeth to erupt next to the baby tooth. We sometimes refer to these as “shark teeth.” We may recommend removing the baby teeth ourselves to speed along the process.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth usually emerge around the ages of 17 and 21. The purpose of wisdom teeth is to help you chew, but they can lead to problems if there isn’t enough space for them to surface correctly. This can lead to food becoming trapped between them or providing an opening for bacteria to enter the gums.
How Can My Child’s Tooth be Saved?
In many instances, your child’s tooth may not require extraction. We’ll be sure to evaluate your child’s needs and provide a treatment plan that is best for your child’s health and development.
Our Pediatric Dentists Always Put Your Child’s Comfort First
Our team of pediatric dental specialists provides a comfortable atmosphere where children can feel safe and at ease. We offer the most advanced anesthesia and sedation options to help your child relax, and then provide care instructions to help your child recover as quickly as possible. If your child has experienced any oral trauma or is complaining of tooth pain, call Washington DC Children’s Dentist right away so we can determine the best treatment plan.