Tooth extractions for kids are sometimes necessary to maintain a healthy smile and ensure long-term oral health.
Whether it’s removing a damaged tooth, addressing overcrowding, or preparing for orthodontic treatment, extractions can help create the right conditions for proper alignment and function.
At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, we take a thoughtful approach to every procedure, focusing on comfort, precision, and positive outcomes.
We offer tooth extractions at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL.
Key Takeaway
A pediatric dentist may recommend extracting a tooth if it is severely damaged, infected, or creating overcrowding, to support proper alignment and oral health.
When Are Tooth Extractions Needed?
While preserving natural teeth is always our goal, there are times when extracting a tooth is the best way to safeguard oral health. These include:
- Non-restorable teeth: Teeth that are too damaged by cavities, trauma, or infection to be repaired with a filling or crown.
- Orthodontic treatment: Teeth may need to be removed to create space in the jaw, ensuring that permanent teeth can shift into proper alignment during orthodontic treatment.
- Over-retained baby teeth: Primary teeth that don’t fall out on their own, obstructing the eruption of permanent teeth.
- Infected teeth: Teeth with severe infections that could spread or cause significant pain.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Our approach to tooth extractions is designed to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
- Assessment and Planning
- A thorough exam and X-rays help evaluate the tooth roots, gum tissue, and nearby teeth.
- We explain the procedure and answer any questions, so you feel informed and confident.
- Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Sedation (optional)
- The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available to promote relaxation and ease anxiety.
- For deeper sedation needs, we provide referrals to trusted specialists.
- Simple Extractions
- For teeth visible above the gum line, we gently loosen and remove them using specialized tools.
- Surgical Extractions
- Impacted or broken teeth, as well as those below the gum line, may require a surgical procedure.
- This involves making a small incision in the gum tissue to carefully remove the tooth. If the procedure is complex, we may refer to an oral surgeon
- Post-Extraction Care
- Gauze is placed over the tooth sockets to help blood clots form and begin the healing process.
- Detailed aftercare instructions are provided to prevent complications such as dry sockets or infection.
🦷 A Note to Parents
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot protecting the tooth socket is dislodged or doesn’t form properly. This condition can expose nerves and bone, leading to severe pain and delayed healing. This generally applies to permanent teeth, not primary teeth.
How to Prevent a Dry Socket
- Do not allow your child to use a straw for the first few days
- Don’t give them hard or crunchy foods to eat until fully healed.
- Help them follow aftercare instructions closely and maintain gentle oral hygiene.
Signs of a Dry Socket
- Persistent severe pain that doesn’t improve.
- An empty-looking socket with exposed bone.
- Foul smell or bad taste from the extraction site.
If you suspect a dry socket, contact Akoya Pediatric Dentistry right away for advice and care.
Recovery Tips for Tooth Extractions
Follow these simple tips to support a smooth healing process:
- Rest: Encourage calm activities to allow the blood clots to stabilize.
- Ice packs: Use ice packs to minimize swelling and reduce discomfort.
- Soft foods: Opt for easy-to-eat options like smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes to avoid irritating the area.
- Oral hygiene: Maintain a clean mouth by brushing and flossing gently, avoiding the extraction site.
- Monitor for pain: Severe pain, prolonged bleeding, or signs of infection should be reported to us immediately.
Bonus: 50 Soft Food Ideas for Recovery
We’ve created a free, kid-friendly guide featuring 50 soft food options to make post-extraction meals easy and stress-free. This sample includes a few ideas, but the full guide contains more delicious and recovery-friendly options for every meal:
Breakfast
- Smoothies with bananas and yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Pancakes with syrup
Lunch
- Creamy soups like tomato or chicken noodle
- Soft pasta with butter or cheese
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
Snacks
- Applesauce
- Pudding cups
- Yogurt
Dinner
- Macaroni and cheese
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Soft-cooked rice with mild seasoning
Desserts
- Ice cream (without crunchy toppings)
- Milkshakes
- Custard
Download this free PDF for the complete guide featuring 50 soft food ideas to make recovery simple and delicious.
Why Choose Akoya Pediatric Dentistry?
We focus on providing gentle, thoughtful care during every dental treatment. Our unrushed visits and one-on-one time allow us to address concerns and provide a personalized approach.
Whether it’s a simple extraction or a surgical procedure, our team ensures a comfortable and supportive experience from start to finish.
We looked forward to meeting you!
Book an Appointment Today!
Akoya Pediatric Dentistry is always accepting new patients! We are conveniently located in the Coquina Plaza just off Sheridan Street in Southwest Ranches, FL. We are proud to serve families in our community and help children maintain healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, Pembroke Pines, Weston, and Davie, FL.
FAQs About Kids Tooth Extractions
Is a tooth extraction painful?
No, tooth extractions are not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available to help with relaxation. Most children feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Children are usually feeling themselves by the next day. Healing of the gums usually takes about 7-10 days, depending on the complexity of the extraction. Following aftercare instructions, like eating soft foods and avoiding straws, can speed up healing.
What is a dry socket, and how can it be prevented?
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot protecting the extraction site is dislodged or doesn’t form properly, exposing the bone. To prevent it, avoid straws, spitting forcefully, and hard foods during recovery. This is more common in permanent teeth than baby teeth.
How can I help my child prepare for the extraction?
The best way is to explain to your child that they will have a tooth “wiggled” out by the dentist. They will be laying in the dental chair watching a movie on the ceiling, have a mask placed on their nose (laughing gas), and tickle cream (numbing cream) placed on the gums. The doctor will make the tooth feel “sleepy” (with a local anesthetic injection) and then give the tooth “a big hug” to wiggle the tooth out. Please be mindful not to mention the use of needles, this usually causes stress to the child prior to appointment.
