
Oct
The thought of “getting a tooth pulled out” can inspire fear in young and old alike; just the words alone sound scary. However, by partnering with a kind, non-judgmental, and ABPD-certified pediatric dental practice like Mona Dental for Kids, your child has absolutely nothing to fear about the process of getting a tooth removed or extracted. In fact, extracting a tooth may be the only way to ease an aching tooth and other distressing symptoms or to restore a healthy smile and move forward with necessary treatments to support sustained oral health and function.
The baby or primary teeth are meant to be temporary. However, they may become damaged before falling out. In these cases, Dr. Mona Houshiar may recommend extracting the tooth before it puts other teeth and the supportive bone in the jaw at risk of damage. It may also be necessary to remove the tooth if the damage has progressed to where an infection is causing severe pain or other problems that affect your child’s ability to eat, sleep, or otherwise function. Plus, these infections do not merely “stay put” in the mouth. They can travel by way of the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Systemic infections are medical emergencies. By staying ahead of the problem and removing the tooth proactively, all of these potentially serious complications are avoided.
Here is another situation that could require the need for a dental extraction procedure. There may be anatomical challenges to your child’s tooth falling out “on schedule.” These anomalies may include teeth with very long or misshapen roots. In these cases, we can help to push your child’s healthy oral development along by removing the tooth. So, your child’s secondary or permanent teeth can come in. Also, if your child’s secondary teeth are not growing underneath the baby teeth properly, this may be another situation that calls for extraction. That way, the baby teeth can dissolve and fall out in a normal manner.
That really depends on your child! For some kids, there may not be sufficient space in the mouth for orthodontic appliances designed to correct imbalances in how the teeth and/or jaws are aligned. If there isn’t enough room, extraction may be in your child’s future.
Dr. Houshiar uses various techniques which depend on your child’s needs and situation. All extractions at Mona Dental for Kids, however, are tolerated well. We use precision application of numbing anesthetic and can also discuss options to help your child relax. Sedation dentistry methods range from “laughing gas” to deeper options, such as IV sedation. The problematic tooth is largely isolated, and the tissues that hold it in place are separated from it to support ease of removal. We will also go over any after-care needs with you and your child in advance of the procedure.
Extractions are an important and often necessary service. And they are also much more straightforward than you may think! Call (832) 662-3008 with specific questions and to reach our team in Spring, TX.
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