Services
Dental Extractions
At Fox Pediatric Dentistry, our priority is ensuring your child’s health and safety. Unfortunately, that can sometimes mean having to go through the process of a dental extraction. While it isn’t always an easy decision, it’s important to remember that a tooth extraction can help keep your child’s smile healthy in the long run. At your child’s next restorative dentistry appointment, Dr. Justin Baik and his committed team can explain why your child may need a dental extraction and what happens during and after the procedure so that you feel more informed about the decisions around your child’s dental care!
Does Dr. Justin really need to pull my child’s tooth?
Even though pulling a tooth is often the last resort, your child might benefit from a dental extraction if they are suffering from the following:
- Extensive tooth decay or injury
- Gum disease
- Overcrowding or impaction
What happens during a dental extraction?
Regarding your little one’s smile, Dr. Justin is dedicated to finding the most conservative approach before recommending a dental extraction. To avoid having the child feel anxious or scared of the tooth removal process, he’ll take time beforehand to ensure that your child feels comfortable throughout the procedure with local anesthesia and dental sedation (if necessary). Then, our pediatric dentist will carefully remove the tooth from the socket and close the surgical site with dissolvable stitches. If necessary, Dr. Justin can also place a space maintainer to ensure your child’s adult teeth have enough room to erupt healthily.
What can I expect during tooth extraction aftercare?
While baby tooth extracts can heal within a day or two, it can take adult teeth and medically compromised patients longer to heal. Throughout the healing process, Dr. Justin reminds parents to take the following precautions:
- To control bleeding, applying constant pressure on the extraction area for at least 30 minutes after the procedure is crucial. If bleeding persists, continue to apply pressure with a wet teabag. Slight oozing of blood several hours after the procedure is expected. Heavy bleeding is abnormal, so please call our office at (224) 629-4125 if heavy bleeding after tooth extraction does not stop.
- Avoid excessive spitting and sucking (e.g., sippy cups, bottles, straws, and pacifiers) for the first 24 hours, as they may cause prolonged bleeding and dry socket.
- In addition to a soft diet, avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods to prevent irritation to the extraction site.
- Avoid any strenuous activity for the first 24 hours
Talk to Dr. Justin About Tooth Extraction
Are you the parent of a child who needs a dental extraction? Even considering going through such a process at a young age can be daunting but rest assured. Pediatric tooth extractions don’t have to be scary! At Fox Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Justin and his team want what’s best for your children and ensure that their long-term dental health needs are addressed. If your little one needs a tooth extraction or alternative treatment to achieve optimal oral health, call (224) 629-4125 or message us online to schedule a pediatric dental appointment in Elgin, IL.
