Why Would Your Child Need a Tooth Extraction?

At High Street Dentistry, we always make every effort to save a severely decayed or damaged tooth. But there are times when extracting a child’s tooth is unavoidable. Whether it’s a stubborn baby tooth refusing to fall out, teeth crowding, or an unexpected injury, we may recommend a tooth extraction to get your child’s oral health back on track. Our kid-friendly team is dedicated to ensuring your little one has the best possible experience. 

Why Would a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?

There are several reasons a child might need a tooth extraction, including the following:

• Severe Tooth Decay: If a tooth has deep decay that we cannot repair with a filling or crown, we may need to remove it to prevent complications. These may include pain, infection, and damage to the neighboring teeth. 
• Tooth Infection or Abscess: A tooth infection, left untreated, can lead to a painful abscess and a host of complications. We may need to extract the affected tooth to prevent the infection from spreading to the surrounding teeth and posing a threat to your child’s oral and overall health. 
• Orthodontic Treatment: Selective extractions are sometimes necessary as a component of an orthodontic treatment plan. The goal is to create space to guide the remaining teeth into their optimal positions.
• Injury or Trauma: If your child suffers a dental injury from a fall or accident, the damaged tooth may be beyond repair. Extracting the tooth may be our only viable option to prevent infection and complications.
• Stubborn Baby Teeth: Occasionally, a baby tooth fails to fall out when it should, blocking the permanent tooth from erupting. In such cases, we may gently extract the baby tooth to ensure the incoming tooth has sufficient space to erupt in the correct position. 

What Can You Expect?

Our kid-friendly team at High Street Dentistry is dedicated to ensuring your child’s time with us is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. After numbing the area, we will gently remove the affected tooth with minimal discomfort. Your child may feel some pressure but should not experience any pain. Most children return to their everyday routines soon after. 

Make sure to follow the care instructions we provide to promote healing and ensure a smooth recovery.  If your child experiences mild pain or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relief medication approved by your child’s pediatrician can help. Offer your little one soft foods and avoid brushing around the extraction site for the first few days. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to let us know. 

Children’s Tooth Extractions Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

At High Street Dentistry, maintaining healthy and beautiful smiles is always our top priority. In the event that a tooth extraction is needed, we never spare any effort to ensure your child is comfortable and free from stress. From kid-friendly language to a warm, calm environment and the latest in dental technology, you can count on Dr. Jones and his team for exceptional care that exceeds your expectations. We strive to restore your child’s healthy, beautiful smile. We invite you to call us at (573) 636-7432 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!