Emergency
(215) 443-7400
While our primary goal in pediatric dentistry is to keep baby teeth healthy until they naturally fall out, there are situations where a baby tooth extraction is necessary or advantageous. We handle these with utmost care, ensuring the process is as quick and easy as possible for your child.
Reasons a child might need a tooth pulled:
How we do pediatric extractions: We use the Tell-Show-Do method in kid-friendly language. For example, “We need to wiggle out this tooth so the new tooth can come in straight. First we’re going to make your tooth sleepy…” etc. We apply topical numbing jelly (kids think this is just fun flavored gel) on the gum, then give local anesthetic slowly and gently; often they feel only a tiny pinch or nothing thanks to the jelly and our technique. We might also offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) which really helps relax anxious kiddos – it’s safe and wears off fast.
Once numb (we test to ensure no feeling), we use small instruments to wiggle the tooth out. Baby teeth usually have thinner, shorter roots (which also resorb as the adult tooth comes in) so they typically come out easier than an adult tooth. Still, the child will feel pressure – we explain like “you’ll feel me pushing, that’s okay, you just let me do the hard work of pushing the tooth out of its bed.” It often is over in just a minute or two.
We then put a little gauze for them to bite on. Kids are often surprised at how quick it was – and proud! We lavish praise on them and might mention the Tooth Fairy’s impending visit which usually brings a smile even in a nervous kid prior.
Aftercare: We give parents instructions similar to any extraction: Have the child bite on gauze or a washcloth for 15-20 minutes to stop bleeding. Avoid spitting or using straws for the rest of the day. A soft diet, avoiding hot or crunchy foods for a day. Pain is usually very mild for baby tooth extraction – over-the-counter children’s Tylenol or Motrin is more than enough if they even need it. We also caution to be careful until numbness wears off (so they don’t bite their cheek or lip accidentally, which kids sometimes do since they’re not used to being numb).
Space maintainer: If the extracted baby tooth was a back molar and the child is nowhere near getting the permanent tooth, we may recommend a space maintainer – a small appliance that holds the gap open so other teeth don’t drift. This prevents future crowding issues. For front baby teeth, space maintainers aren’t usually needed. Dr. Mathews or Dr. Lala will let you know if one is indicated and we’ll fabricate that.
We emphasize to kids that removing the tooth is helping their mouth stay healthy or helping the grown-up tooth come in right. This positive framing, plus maybe a little prize or Tooth Fairy excitement, turns what could be a scary idea into a pretty smooth event.
Parents in Horsham and Willow Grove appreciate that we only extract when necessary, and when we do, it’s with kindness and expertise. We always prefer to save a tooth if we can (with a filling or baby root canal and crown), but if extraction is the best course, we handle it expertly and make sure your child is comfortable throughout.
So, if your child needs a troublesome tooth removed, rest easy that at Horsham Dental Care, we’ll take good care of them. They’ll be back to smiling (perhaps a toothless grin) in no time, and you’ll have peace of mind that their dental development is on track.