Why Would I Need An Extraction?
Dentists most commonly perform pediatric tooth extractions on wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that emerge around ages 17-24. Wisdom teeth often cause problems such as impaction, severe pain, infection, overcrowding, or incorrect angling. Dentists don’t need to extract wisdom teeth that have grown in straight and aren’t causing problems, unless x-rays show potential future issues.
Other teeth may require extraction if they are severely decayed or preparing for orthodontic treatment. Overcrowding, loose or damaged teeth due to advanced gum disease or dental trauma may also necessitate extraction.
Replacing an extracted tooth is crucial to prevent shifting teeth and bone loss. Even when dentists remove deciduous teeth too early, your child may need space maintainers until their permanent teeth emerge.
To schedule an extraction appointment at Dentistry For Children, contact us online or call (208) 510-0557 today. We offer sedation services like nitrous oxide and general anesthesia to reduce dental anxiety or for oral surgery.
Dentists perform tooth extraction as a last resort, but it offers several benefits:
- Stopping decay and infection spread
- Preventing oral health problems associated with wisdom teeth
- Relieving pain
- Making room to straighten teeth
- Allowing artificial tooth replacement for unsalvageable teeth
Basic Tooth Extractions
In basic tooth extraction, the dentist can visibly see the affected tooth in the mouth. The patient receives a local anesthetic, and then the dentist fully loosens the tooth in the socket with an elevator. Once extremely loose, the dentist uses forceps to lift out the tooth.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth and other impacted teeth require surgical extraction because they’re trapped underneath the gum line. Surgical extraction may also be necessary for broken teeth at the gum line.
Because impacted teeth are hidden behind the gums and wisdom teeth may emerge at the wrong angle, this is a more complex extraction. It might require general anesthesia.
The dentist makes an incision into the gums to access the hidden tooth. They may also need to remove surrounding bone for easier access. Once they access the tooth, they elevate and extract it like a basic extraction.
Do Extractions Hurt?
The actual extraction procedure is painless, but post-procedure feelings depend on the extraction type and location. For basic extractions, you receive a local anesthetic. The dentist rocks the tooth back and forth with an elevator, then pulls it out after loosening it with forceps.
The numbing agent ensures you feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. You should only experience mild pain once the anesthetic wears off. Over-the-counter pain medication can relieve this discomfort.
For surgical extractions, you’ll be unconscious during the procedure. You won’t feel or remember anything, and the whole process will be over quickly.However, the surgical site may feel sore and tender for a few days afterward. Take pain medication and use cold compresses to reduce swelling. Swelling typically peaks 2-3 days after extraction, then improves.
The most important thing is to encourage blood clotting and avoid disturbing blood clots at the extraction site. Disturbing these clots can cause dry socket, a painful condition that prolongs healing.