Visalia Dentist

Tooth Extraction Q&AVisalia, CA

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    Tooth Extraction Q&A

    When does my child need a tooth extraction?

    Tooth decay or trauma that’s too severe for a children’s root canal is a common reason for extraction. Sometimes, older kids might need a baby tooth extraction if a tooth doesn’t come out naturally. By removing the primary tooth, the adult tooth can come in normally. Teenagers could need a tooth extraction if their wisdom teeth erupt and cause problems for other teeth, or if wisdom teeth are impacted.

    At Visalia Dentistry 4 Kids, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill removes primary teeth when needed but doesn't remove permanent teeth unless it's necessary for orthodontic care. For example, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill might remove wisdom teeth or other permanent teeth if they’re causing tooth crowding that would interfere with successful orthodontic treatment.

    How does the tooth extraction process work?

    First, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill examines your child's tooth and takes X-ray images to get a full picture of the condition of the tooth and its underlying structures. To ensure that your child feels relaxed and comfortable during the tooth extraction, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill typically administers local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding area.

    If your child is anxious or scared of tooth extraction, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill can administer nitrous oxide sedation. When your child inhales a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, they become extremely relaxed but still conscious. With nitrous oxide sedation, many kids don't have any memory of their tooth extraction.

    When removing the tooth, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill always uses great care to prevent damage to the underlying bone. Once the tooth is out of its socket, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill covers the socket with sterile gauze. In some cases, as with wisdom tooth extraction, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill might place tiny sutures to close the socket and control bleeding. Your child can leave Visalia Dentistry 4 Kids to head home shortly after the extraction.

    How can I make my child comfortable after tooth extraction?

    Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill will recommend pain management specific to your child's situation after tooth extraction. Usually, over-the-counter pain relievers (in a children's formula, depending on age) is quite effective for pain relief post-extraction.

    You can also give your child an ice pack for the outside of their jaw. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill might recommend a soft diet for a day or two, as well.

    For comfortable tooth extractions from a highly experienced kid-friendly team and dentist, call Visalia Dentistry 4 Kids, established in 1998: (559) 733-4470

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