Simple Tooth Extractions

If your child is experiencing extreme sensitivity or are suffering from advanced dental decay, they may be required to have a tooth extracted.  With a simple extraction, the dentist can safely remove the affected tooth without the need for major surgery.

Reasons for a tooth extraction

There are numerous situations in which a simple extraction can help alleviate pain or prepare you for another cosmetic or restorative procedure.  Some common reasons for extraction include:

• Extra teeth or baby teeth that impede adult teeth
• Preparing a patient for orthodontic treatment
• Removing a fractured or malformed tooth
• Severe tooth decay which cannot be remedied with root canal therapy

How is a tooth extracted?

As a precaution, the dentist will first take X-rays of the tooth or teeth in question, to help plan the procedure.  After preparing a method of extraction, your child will be given a topical anesthetic to numb the gums are before local anesthetic (i.e. Novocaine) is administered that will prevent your child from feeling pain during the procedure. For young or anxious children, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be recommended.  Next, the dentist will use a tool called an elevator to lift the tooth and loosen ligaments and gum tissue around the base of the tooth.  Finally, the dentist will use a pair of forceps, to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it breaks free of the ligaments holding it in the gum tissue.  Occasionally, a stubborn tooth will resist the dentist’s soft tug, refusing to come out.  In these and more complex cases, the tooth may need to be broken up into smaller pieces for removal, known as a surgical extraction.  Once removed, we have your child place pressure on the area by biting down on gauze for several minutes.  In rare circumstances, the dentist will place stitches to close the socket.

If your child is sick the week prior to your scheduled extraction or on the day of, please contact our office, as alternative arrangements may need to be made.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.