Gentle, Comfortable Tooth Extractions
An extraction can make both children and parents anxious, but they are a common procedure in most pediatric dental offices. Sometimes a child’s tooth has too much decay to restore, or they need a tooth or teeth removed to make room for orthodontic treatment.
Regardless of the reason, our doctors and their team will make sure you and your child are comfortable with the treatment plan.
After some local anesthetic, our doctors will remove your child’s tooth. If it is impacted or if it is a complicated removal, our doctors will discuss with you if sedation options are recommended.
Once the tooth is removed, our doctors will give you post-op instructions, and place a small piece of gauze over the extraction site to stop any bleeding and to help a clot form. Check and replace the gauze every 20 minutes until bleeding stops.
Tips for the First 24 Hours After Your Child’s Extraction
- Take over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers as advised by our doctors.
- For the first 24 hours, give your child soft foods.
- Avoid allowing your child to drink through a straw, rinse their mouth, spit, or brush the area for at least 24 hours after the extraction.
- Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the area for 20 minutes to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Contact our office right away if your child experiences fever, severe pain, or chills.
How Long Will Tooth Extraction Take to Heal?
A small tooth with a single root typically takes about 7 days to heal after extraction. A larger tooth with multiple roots may take up to 3 weeks to close, with full healing possibly taking several months.