You know that good health begins with taking care of your teeth so you and your children faithfully visit your dentist every six months for cleaning and exams. This time, the dentist has news for you. Your twelve-year-old is going to need four teeth extracted. Before your child gets too anxious, your dentist assures them that it will be okay and that stocking up on yogurt and applesauce would be a great idea.
So, why do children need teeth extractions?
Your child may need to have teeth pulled to make room for orthodontic treatment, to take out baby teeth when adult teeth are ready to come in, or when a tooth is damaged or decayed beyond repair. X-rays can help determine where adult teeth will come in and if there will be overcrowding, which is another reason for extraction.
The procedure is done right in the dentist’s chair so you can be with your child through the whole process. The area around the tooth will be numbed to keep the experience as pain-free as possible.
So, What are Some Tips to Make Kids Less Anxious About Extractions?
You can assure your child that getting a tooth extracted will not be a long process. Depending on the condition of the tooth, once the area is numb, it can be pulled in a matter of minutes. This is not a procedure that lasts hours. It is relatively quick and could take even less time than an average cleaning.
Your child can also be comforted by the fact that you can be in the room with them and bring an emotional support object along, too. If your children like to listen to music, you could bring earbuds so they can be happily distracted by their favorite song when the extraction is done.
So, What are Some Post Care Tips?
As soon as the extraction is done, it is time to take out the earbuds and listen to the post-care information. This is critical for proper healing. The dentist will put gauze over your child’s socket. Do not take it off for about two hours, no matter how soggy it gets. You also want to tell your child not to chew on it or move it around. A healthy blood clot is forming in the newly exposed socket, and you do not want the gauze to pull it away.
Make sure you have lots of soft foods available for the next couple of days. It is a great idea to avoid spicy foods or ones that are too hot or too cold because the area around the extraction could be very sensitive. Soft foods like well-cooked noodles, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soft eggs, and creamed soups are good choices. Do not use straws, and tell your children not to spit or swish liquids in their mouths so that the clot is not dislodged.
Related Questions
So, What Do You Want to Look Out For?
There are two problems you want to avoid after an extraction. Infections can happen if the newly-exposed socket is not kept clean, and a dry socket can occur if the healthy blood clot is not allowed to form or is knocked out of the socket.
So, What Can You Do to Avoid These Problems?
Your child can still brush their teeth to keep their mouth clean, just be very careful around the exposed socket. After 24 hours, you will want to give them a salt water rinse to clean their mouth out a couple of times a day. This will encourage healing and protect against infection.
In Review
Sometimes those baby teeth just don’t want to meet the tooth fairy, so they need a little help from the dentist when it is time for the adult teeth to take their place. Extractions can be relatively quick and healed within a few days. Just grab your children’s favorite smoothies and follow the post-care tips. They will be smiling pretty again in no time.
Ensuring Quality Dental Care for the Family
At our dental clinic located in Walled Lake, we cater to the dental needs of the entire family, including children. Our experienced dental staff prioritizes your child’s comfort by implementing various measures.
We believe that conducting gentle oral health assessments, providing preventive dental care, and offering guidance on maintaining optimal oral health for your child are essential for ensuring a healthy mouth throughout their life. A confident smile not only enhances your appearance but also has a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Dr. Hechtman is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care, utilizing the latest techniques and procedures in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and various dental treatments. Keep your oral health in check and contact us for a Free dental consultation!