From A Kid Friendly Dentist: Why It Is Important for Retained Primary Teeth To Be Extracted

A kid friendly dentist with a specialization in pediatric dentistry typically advises against pulling baby teeth. However, there are times where a dental extraction is required. This can seem counterintuitive, especially when losing baby teeth naturally is such a part of culture and childhood development. The loss of these primary teeth is often a bridge into the world of a child’s imagination, full of fairies and wonder. As magical as those childhood moments can be, though, it is more important for a child to develop a healthy and strong smile.

Importance of baby teeth

While baby teeth may seem like little more than placeholders for the eventual development of adult teeth, these primary formations are important. Primary teeth come in at a time when a child is in the midst of developing fundamental skills like chewing and speaking. Without these baby teeth, children might develop lisps or other speech impediments. These teeth also do stand as placeholders for adult teeth, but sometimes they might hinder that growth.

When tooth extractions are necessary

Most pediatric dentists want to avoid removing primary teeth, especially early in development. However, there are a few problems that may warrant premature extraction:

• Injury or trauma
• Crowding of adult teeth
• Decay

If a child must undergo a primary tooth extraction, then a kid friendly dentist will do everything in their power to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Pediatric dentists achieve their specialization through extended schooling, which typically includes a focus on child psychology. Therefore, parents of children undergoing an extraction should rest assured that the procedure is commonplace and the dentist is well-trained for child interactions.

Basics of the procedure

While a little anxiety is understandable, tooth extractions on minors are not as involved as those performed on adults. Most procedures start with an X-ray to determine the bone and root condition of the tooth. Then, the dentist applies a local anesthetic and begins gently removing the tooth with forceps by rotating and moving it in the socket. The movement helps to separate the tooth from the periodontal ligaments that hold it to the jaw bone. In extreme circumstances, a child may be sedated to allow for the removal of some gum tissue.

Follow-up care

After the procedure, the dentist applies sterile gauze and possibly a few stitches to help the area heal. It is important to remember that some bleeding after an extraction is standard and that the area should be allowed to clot. Clotting protects against dry socket, a painful condition where the bone is exposed to air, liquids and food. To ensure adequate clotting, most dentists suggest that patients avoid rinsing for 24 hours, after which the patient can rinse with salt water to prevent infection and reduce pain. Also, a child should stick to only soft foods for the first few days and drink plenty of water.

Conclusion

Primary teeth are an essential part of early development, but these teeth can become problematic. For prevention of future issues, a child should see a kid friendly dentist once every six months.

Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.

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