The topic of tooth extraction in children is often a source of anxiety for parents. Just the idea that their child may undergo a dental procedure, even a routine one like tooth extraction, can be stressful for them. However, they need to understand why these dental procedures are necessary, what happens during the treatment, and how they should take care of their child after getting tooth extraction services.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide to tooth extraction for children, covering everything from the reasons for extraction to aftercare and recovery.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction in Children
Tooth extraction in children can be necessary for various reasons. As a parent, understanding these reasons is crucial as they may help you feel more assured about the procedure. Below are the signs that may indicate the need for tooth extraction services for your child:
Severe Tooth Decay
One of the most common reasons why a dentist may consider a tooth extraction procedure or emergency wisdom tooth removal for your child is severe tooth decay. This dental problem occurs when cavities are left unattended leading to profound degradation and impairment of dental structural integrity. The bacteria causing decay may get deep into the teeth and affect the pulp, leading to pain, infection, and dental abscesses. Tooth extraction services are usually the appropriate solution in this case as this stops the further spread of infection. Moreover, it also helps to protect surrounding teeth from being affected.
Infection
Dental infection can be a reason for tooth extraction in children. It usually occurs due to cavities left untreated, gum diseases, and traumatic dental injuries. In case the infection is so severe that it cannot be managed by antibiotics or any other form of treatment, tooth extraction may become necessary. This is particularly true if it jeopardizes the overall health of the child. The tooth extraction treatment assists in removing the source of infection thus preventing its spread to other parts of the mouth and even body.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding is a dental condition characterized by too many teeth in a specific space inside one’s mouth. This condition leads to certain problems like difficulty in eating and speaking thus generating the need for tooth extraction services. This is often part of the orthodontic treatment. If a child’s mouth is too small to fit all their teeth, removing one or more can help ensure that the remaining teeth grow in proper alignment. This way they can avoid future oral complications like misalignment, bite problems, and obtain a healthy and attractive smile.
There could be many other reasons for tooth extraction or emergency wisdom tooth removal in your child like dental trauma, teeth injuries, and a wisdom tooth. Speak to an expert consultant for the best advice and outcomes.
Preparing Your Child for Tooth Extraction
Preparing your child for a tooth extraction requires both emotional and practical steps. Although the task could be quite challenging, following the steps below can help you do this job easily. Let’s have a look at them!
Explaining the Procedure
You may hesitate to reveal the tooth extraction procedure to your child but this will not help at all. In fact, this can develop a perception in your child’s mind that you, as a parent, often lie or hide things. Therefore, we recommend explaining the tooth extraction procedure to your child in a gentle way. Meanwhile, make sure your child does not feel scared.
Convey to your child that a dentist is a good person and he/she will remove the infected tooth in seconds without letting you know about it. Tell him/her that there will be no pain during the extraction and once the procedure is done, everything will be good and good only. These kinds of words give courage to children and keep them calm and relaxed throughout the tooth extraction or emergency wisdom tooth removal procedure.
Addressing Fears
Ease any fears or concerns that your child may have by letting him/her know that being nervous is normal. Tell him/her that you will stay around all the time and everything will be fine. Moreover, encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings to the dentist. If your child keeps communicating with the dentist before or post the actual tooth extraction procedure, it will keep his/her mind diverted. Consequently, it will help the dentist to conduct the procedure smoothly.
In addition, give children’s dental books or short dental videos to your kids. This can also sometimes help dispel the fear and anxiety associated with visiting dentists.
Practical Preparations
Follow any pre-tooth extraction instructions given by the dentist. This might include avoiding certain foods and making sure your child brushes their teeth thoroughly before visiting the clinic for an appointment. It’s also helpful to bring along a favorite toy to keep your child’s mind disconnected from the daunting tooth extraction procedure. Additionally, a tablet, headphones, or mobile phone can help you in keeping your child calm in the waiting room.
Aftercare and Recovery
Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery for your child after getting successful tooth extraction services. Below are some essential considerations for parents:
Managing Bleeding
Bleeding is common post-tooth extraction. As a parent, your role is to keep encouraging your child and praising his/her bravery. Help the child to bite down on a piece of gauze to control bleeding. This process could be as lengthy as 30 to 60 minutes, making your child irritated. You need to stay by your child and keep motivating him/her. In case, bleeding continues, replace the gauze and have your child continue to apply gentle pressure. It’s important to keep your child calm and discourage them from spitting excessively, as this can prolong bleeding.
Pain Management
Some pain and discomfort are normal after a tooth extraction or wisdom tooth removal in Mississauga. Your dentist may prescribe some over-the-counter pain relievers suitable for children, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These can help manage pain and provide comfort to your child. Moreover, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek as it helps in reducing swelling and numb pain points.
Dietary Restrictions
Dentists recommend avoiding hard, hot, spicy, and acidic foods and drinks, at least for the first 24 hours. It is best to help your child stick to soft foods or else the pain or bleeding may increase. Food that you can offer to your child includes yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, smoothies, etc. Additionally, encourage your child to drink plenty of water or juice but avoid using straws, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping the extraction site clean is important to avoid further infection. Encourage your child to rinse his/her mouth gently with warm salt water starting the day after the extraction. Also, instruct your child to avoid brushing the extraction area directly for a few days to allow it to heal.
Conclusion
Tooth extraction in children, while a source of anxiety for many parents, is often a necessary and beneficial procedure. The goal of this dental procedure is to remove the existing infected or decayed tooth and prevent further oral health issues. Experiencing tooth extraction like a wisdom tooth removal in Mississauga can be a bit scary for children but, being a parent, you need to keep encouraging them throughout the procedure. It will help both the child and the dentist to stay relaxed throughout the treatment.