When your child’s baby teeth were first coming in, you might’ve been excited about this milestone. You started to see their tiny smile come into shape, but these structures are placeholders for the permanent ones. That means they should fall out on their own, but there are a few instances where they need to be extracted. Here’s what every parent should know about this situation.
Why Do Some Baby Teeth Need to Be Extracted?
As mentioned above, baby teeth often come out naturally, but your child’s pediatric dentist might have to intervene in several cases. For instance, these are some to know:
- Large cavities can occur in kids who struggle with brushing and flossing. The decay may be so severe that it’s better for their oral health to pull the structure to stop the issue from spreading.
- Facial injuries can occur from accidents or sports. If a tooth was knocked out or greatly damaged, then an extraction can prevent further harm.
- Baby teeth that stay in for longer than expected can cause trouble for the permanent ones trying to erupt. To stop additional issues, it’s best to remove the troublesome structures.
How Can I Prepare My Child for This Procedure?
If your child’s pediatric dentist says they would benefit from a baby tooth extraction, but you’re still concerned, simply ask why they recommend it. You can get a better understanding of their growing grin and make a confident decision.
Afterward, you should help them have a comfortable experience during the treatment itself. You can do this by letting them bring a small comfort item from home, like a plushie or blanket. Dental sedation might also be offered if your loved one is especially nervous or has a dental phobia.
What Can I Do to Help Their Recovery?
Your child’s dentist will use state-of-the-art techniques and technology to make the procedure as easy as possible, but next up is the recovery. As they heal, you should swap them over to a soft food diet, such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, and cooked vegetables. When giving them a drink, make sure they don’t use a straw. The sucking motion can lead to dry socket, which is often very painful.
The good news is that you’ll be given post-op instructions you should follow. That way, you know how you can support your loved one while they get back their healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Bryce Cushing earned his dental degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. He then completed his pediatric residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and became board-certified. Dr. Bryce is committed to helping kids in Papillion get their strongest grins with a wide range of treatments, including extractions when necessary. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at 402-773-7873.