Kids’ Tooth Extractions in Las Vegas

Why a Child May Need a Tooth Extraction

In every case, saving your child’s natural tooth is preferred to extraction, when possible. There are many techniques that we may employ to save a tooth, including fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, and other techniques, but sometimes an extraction is the best option.

There are two primary reasons your child’s tooth may need to be extracted — to protect oral health and to ensure positive oral development as your child grows.

Common reasons why your child may need extraction include:

• Severe decay: If your child is experiencing severe tooth decay, extraction may be necessary. Extraction will be used only if other options, such as crowns or fillings, are unable to repair the problem.
• Infections or abscesses: Infections and abscesses (a pocket of puss) are serious issues, and if left untreated, can even lead to sepsis and death. In some cases, removing the affected tooth is the best method if antibiotics or other techniques cannot fix the issue.
• Baby teeth blocking adult teeth: In some instances, children’s baby teeth may be an issue for overall development. If they are blocking adult teeth, they may need to be removed to give space for adult teeth to erupt and fill in properly.
• Other orthodontic needs: In some cases, orthodontists may recommend removing teeth to fix current or future orthodontic issues for proper alignment. Misaligned teeth can cause a host of problems in the future, and removing teeth now may be preferable to avoid future issues.
• Trauma: Dental trauma, such as a sports injury, a fall, or an auto accident, may require tooth extraction for oral health.
• Overcrowding: Some children are born with extra teeth. If there is no room in the mouth to accommodate these teeth, extraction may be recommended to protect against future pain and other issues.

Signs Your Child May Need a Tooth Extraction

While not every loose tooth or instance of dental pain requires removal, there are some signs that should be evaluated right away. It is normal for children to lose their baby teeth during adolescent years, but if your children have any of the below symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric dentists right away:

• Persistent tooth pain that does not go away after a few hours or days
• Swelling in the mouth, head, or neck
• Loose baby teeth that do not fall out
• Difficulty chewing
• Abscesses
• Damaged teeth
• Delayed permanent tooth eruption

While many of these issues can be evaluated at regularly scheduled appointments, severe or prolonged pain and signs of infection should be considered an emergency.

What Happens During a Kids’ Tooth Extraction?

The extraction process begins with an evaluation. Your child’s condition will be assessed by an expert dentist or orthodontist, and alternative options will be considered. Your child will likely need an X-ray and other diagnostic tests to ensure extraction is the correct procedure.

If extraction is the best path forward, your child will receive anesthesia and possibly sedation to help with the pain during the procedure. The tooth will then be removed, in a process usually taking less than an hour total, depending on the number and complexity of the teeth being removed.

You and your child will then receive strict instructions for aftercare and any follow-up appointments that may be necessary.

Comfort and Sedation Options for Children

During extractions, every effort is made to ensure your child is as comfortable and pain-free as possible. During every extraction, your child will receive a local anesthetic to help with the pain.

Absolute Dental also offers a number of sedation options, depending on your child’s condition. These include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation or “sleep dentistry,” where your child may be completely unconscious during the procedure.

Your dentist will recommend personalized options for your child based on their needs, and you are more than welcome to ask questions and discuss treatment with your child’s dentist.

Recovery After a Child’s Tooth Extraction

Aftercare after an extraction may last a couple of weeks. During this time, your child will need to eat soft foods and practice good oral hygiene. Your child will also need to reduce their activity levels to allow their body to heal. This will likely include a day or more off from school.

Mild soreness is likely for the first few days after the procedure as well. Within two weeks, gum tissue should heal significantly, and your child will be able to eat as normal.

However, you should call the dentist if your child has any unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding or if there are signs of infection, such as a fever. If your child has trouble swallowing, visit the emergency room or an emergency dentist right away. Increased pain after a few days of improvement should be evaluated as well.

Why Las Vegas Families Choose Absolute Dental for Kids’ Tooth Extractions

Absolute Dental has the pediatric expertise, family-friendly care, and convenient locations to serve all Las Vegas families. We offer flexible scheduling, accept most forms of insurance, and have multiple payment options and financing plans for those without.

Las Vegas families love Absolute Dental for our compassionate approach for both children and parents. Call today for an appointment or conveniently make one online.

Schedule Your Child’s Tooth Extraction Consultation in Las Vegas

If your child has dental pain, an infection, delayed eruption, or orthodontic concerns, call for an appointment now or make one online. We offer same-day appointments for emergencies, and our pediatric dentists are among the best in the business.

In every case, your child will receive prompt evaluation and treatment.