Loose Lips Sink Teeth: When Extraction Makes Sense
Kids always lose baby teeth, but not every wiggly tooth needs help. The dentist recommends extractions when teeth block permanent ones, cause pain, or pose infection risks.
If a baby tooth overstays its welcome or crowds the mouth, it can slow development. Our dentists monitor your child’s growth and decide when extraction offers the best outcome.
The Tooth Fairy Might Need Backup
Not every extraction involves drama. Some teeth come out in seconds with no tears or fuss. Other times, we help with more complex removals under local anesthetic or sedation.
We explain every step in age-appropriate terms so kids feel informed, not frightened. Parents stay involved the entire time. Our staff creates a fun, calm environment to ease anxiety.
Reasons the Dentist Might Recommend It
Every kid is different, but we look for signs that may call for an extraction during regular checkups. These are the most common situations where we recommend removing a tooth:
- Severe tooth decay or infection
- Crowding or blocked permanent teeth
- Baby teeth that don’t fall out on time
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Orthodontic prep
What Happens Before, During, and After
The dentist starts with an exam and digital X-rays. We explain the reason for extraction and walk you and your child through the process. For simple extractions, we use numbing gel and a local anesthetic.
The dentist gently removes the tooth with a special instrument. For more complex cases, consider sedation. Afterward, we place gauze to help with clotting and review home care instructions.
Does It Hurt? Not on Our Watch
We use numbing gel before the injection and pair it with distraction techniques to keep kids calm. Most children describe the feeling as a strange pressure, not pain. If your child feels especially anxious, we offer laughing gas, oral sedation, or IV sedation, depending on their needs and the complexity of the procedure.
After the extraction, most kids do well with children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage soreness. Our team follows up to ensure healing stays on track and your child feels comfortable every step of the way.
Healing Like a Champ: Post-Extraction Tips
Help your child recover quickly by following these tips:
- Stick with soft foods for 24 hours
- Avoid straws or spitting to protect the clot
- Use an ice pack on the cheek if needed
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing
- Give pain relievers only as recommended
Don’t Worry, It Won’t Affect Speech
Parents often ask if an extraction will cause speech problems. In almost all cases, it won’t. The dentist only removes teeth when necessary, and we track spacing to ensure that future development stays on track.
If a tooth comes out early, we may recommend a space maintainer. That small device holds room for the permanent tooth and keeps everything in alignment.
Pediatric Tooth Extractions in Washington: What Parents Ask Us Most
We receive many questions about pediatric tooth extractions in Washington, especially from parents who are experiencing them for the first time.
Here are a few we hear often:
- Will my child need stitches? Rarely. Most extractions heal without them.
- Will it bleed a lot? We manage bleeding in-office and send home gauze in case more is needed.
- How long does it take? Most extractions take less than 20 minutes.
- Will my child be scared? We prepare your child gently and explain everything in kid-friendly terms.
Beyond Baby Teeth: What Comes Next
Tooth extractions sometimes set the stage for orthodontic treatment. If spacing or jaw alignment looks off, the dentist might recommend braces or early interceptive care. We partner with families to create long-term dental plans that grow with your child.
We aim to support healthy development from the first tooth to the last.
Ready, Set, Smile: Let’s Talk Pediatric Tooth Extractions
If your child needs a gentle, expert touch, our team can help with pediatric tooth extractions in Washington. Whether you live in Washington, Missouri, or nearby communities like Hazelwood or Dardenne Prairie, we’re here to keep your child’s smile on track.
You can contact us for an appointment with Dr. Orrick, Dr. Hastings, or Dr. Freihofer. We offer flexible financing options and take time to make sure every family feels informed and confident.