Pediatric Tooth Extractions: Our Top Rated Pediatric dentist's Expert Care for Your Child's Dental Health
You and our pediatric dentists at Marblehead and Middleton Smiles may collectively determine that your child requires a tooth extraction for a range of compelling reasons, including:
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Severe Decay
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Advanced Periodontal Disease
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Severely Damaged or Broken Teeth
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Poorly Positioned Teeth
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Impacted Teeth
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Preparation for Orthodontic Treatment
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A tooth extraction can significantly impact your child's dental health and everyday well-being. The removal of teeth can potentially affect your child's ability to chew, influence their jaw joint, and cause teeth to shift. Prior to proceeding with a tooth extraction, our experienced pediatric dentist will engage in a thorough discussion of alternative treatment options. This discussion aims to help your child avoid potential complications and ensure their overall oral health. If a tooth extraction remains the most appropriate course of action for your child, our dedicated pediatric dentist and team will collaborate with you to facilitate a seamless treatment and recovery process.
Tooth Extraction at Our Pediatric Dental Offices in Marblehead and Middleton, MA
1. Numbing the Area:
Our experienced pediatric dentist will start by applying a local anesthetic to ensure your child feels no pain during the procedure. We are committed to making the experience as pain-free as possible.
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2. Gentle Extraction:
The extraction process may involve some pressure as our dentist gently rocks the tooth to widen the socket for removal. If your child experiences any discomfort, please encourage them to communicate immediately. Their comfort is paramount to us, and we'll address any issues promptly.
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Sectioning, If Necessary:
In certain cases, a tooth may require sectioning. This method is employed when a tooth is firmly anchored or has a curved root that hinders easy removal. Sectioning entails cutting the tooth into segments and removing each one individually.
After the Extraction: After your child's tooth extraction, the initial focus is on stopping any bleeding. We'll provide a gauze pad for your child to bite down on for 30-45 minutes immediately following the extraction. If bleeding persists, you can repeat the process with a fresh gauze pad for an additional 30 minutes.
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It's crucial to safeguard the formation of a blood clot. For the first 72 hours following the procedure, please help your child avoid:
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Vigorous rinsing
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Using straws
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Brushing near the extraction site
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Strenuous physical activities
Post-extraction, some pain and swelling are normal. You can reduce swelling by applying an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas/corn to the area. Over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications, used as directed, can alleviate any discomfort. Swelling should subside within about 48 hours.
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Ensure that your child takes any prescribed antibiotics for the recommended duration, even if they exhibit no infection symptoms. Keep them well-hydrated, consuming plenty of fluids and soft, nutritious foods on the day of the extraction. They can gradually resume their regular diet as comfort allows. Dental care routines, including brushing and flossing, can be reinstated after 24 hours, and normal activities can resume in a few days.
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If your child experiences heavy bleeding, severe pain, persistent swelling for two to three days, or medication-related issues, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We are here to ensure your child's post-extraction experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
