Tooth Extractions for Children in Bowie, MD
If your child needs a tooth extraction, don’t worry. Extractions do not have to be traumatic. Parents should keep a positive outlook and use uplifting, encouraging speech when discussing dental visits and procedures with a child. The team at Smiles Pediatric Dental Care works diligently to create a wonderful Kidsperience for every child, regardless of their diagnosis and treatment plan. We also use anesthetics and, when warranted, sedation, to maximize the comfort of our young patients.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can only see about ⅓ of your tooth. The other ⅔ is hidden underneath your gums.
When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
There are several situations where your children’s dentist in Bowie will recommend a tooth extraction. These can include:
A Tooth That Can’t Be Saved
Significant infection, decay, trauma, or breakage can damage a tooth to the point that it cannot be saved. We try to save permanent teeth, but in some situations, no restorative procedure can keep a tooth alive. If possible, our children’s dentists will recommend root canal therapy to save an infected tooth from an extraction. A tooth that has died or is dying must be removed to restore good oral health and comfortable function.
Tooth Extractions for Orthodontic Preparation
If your child needs braces to reposition crowded teeth, one or more teeth may need to be extracted. Sufficient space is necessary for all teeth to be aligned in a straight, beautiful row. In some cases, younger kids may need an expander on the top dental arch to prompt the widening of the palate. However, if an expander won’t create a large enough arch or if a child has “extra” or “shark” teeth (one behind another), tooth extractions may be necessary before braces are placed.
Baby Teeth That Don’t Fall Out Naturally
Around age five to seven, children begin to lose baby teeth and ridge-edged permanent teeth emerge in their places. Baby teeth are important because not only do they perform the tasks of permanent teeth, but they also preserve the space where permanent teeth will grow. Sometimes, however, baby teeth don’t fall out. They may die and turn brownish without any loosening in the socket. In some situations, baby teeth remain healthy, but permanent teeth emerge behind them. Stubborn baby teeth that will not naturally fall out will need an extraction.
Removing Extra Teeth
Children should have 20 baby teeth, which are replaced by 32 permanent teeth (including the 4 wisdom teeth that erupt during preteen and early teen years). When extra teeth develop, we call them supernumerary teeth. We can only see extra teeth that are impacted (or teeth that haven’t broken through he gums) by taking X-rays. In any case, an extraction is recommended for supernumerary teeth to reduce the risk of dental crowding, orthodontic problems, and cosmetic issues.
Both baby and permanent teeth can die without loosening and/or falling out. A blow to the mouth can harm teeth nerves, in which case the teeth turn purplish as the tooth bleeds from within. Dead teeth should always be extracted to ensure good oral health, comfortable oral function, and an attractive appearance.
Extraction of Impacted Teeth
Impaction is the term we use to describe teeth that do not grow into place or erupt. We see this most often with wisdom teeth, but other abnormalities may interfere with the eruption of any tooth. Impacted teeth should be removed to reduce the risk of toothaches, gum disease, and the shifting of other teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Most people have four wisdom teeth that begin to erupt around ages 11 to 13. With X-rays, we can see where wisdom teeth are forming and determine whether they will properly develop or are impacted. Note that removing wisdom teeth is not required. Many people have four healthy wisdom teeth that cause no problems.
We can remove wisdom teeth during a patient’s late teens or early twenties as a preventive measure against future problems, such as toothaches, crowding, headaches, and cavities. Because wisdom teeth are in the very back of the mouth, they are difficult to keep clean and prone to developing tooth decay. Talk with our dentist in Bowie if you’re concerned about your teen’s wisdom teeth.
Are Extractions Right for My Child?
If our dentist recommends a tooth extraction, the more you know about the procedure and aftercare, the more prepared you’ll be to encourage, support, and care for your child. We’re always here to answer questions and provide knowledge, so please do not hesitate to ask questions. We look forward to providing an awesome Kidsperience for your kiddo at Smiles Pediatric Dental Care!
