Tooth Extractions in Santa Clara , CA

Getting new teeth in is a painful and uncomfortable experience for children, especially if they’re outgrowing their baby teeth. Sometimes baby teeth aren’t ready to come out when the new teeth are coming in. We know how distressing it is for you to watch your child go through this process, and we’re here to make it more bearable for you and your child.

From our friendly and accommodating staff members to our proficient pediatric dentists, our dental team at Bay Area Kids Dentist will ensure that you have the best dental care experience from your first visit.

Book your appointment today and give your child the best tooth extraction experience with our top-rated and family-oriented pediatric dental clinic.

Why Do Children Need Tooth Extractions?

Tooth extractions are not only done to allow an adult tooth to grow in. Here are some other reasons for tooth extractions that we encountered in our clinic:

Severe Tooth Decay

Tooth decay happens when food particles get stuck between the teeth, and bacteria start to feed on them. If these tooth cavities are left untreated, they can cause severe pain and may even lead to infection. infection. In extreme cases, the only way to treat them is to uproot the decaying tooth.

Damaged Tooth

Children active in sports and other physical activities may sometimes have tooth damage that cannot be repaired. In these cases, removing the broken baby tooth is the best choice. If a broken tooth is not removed, it could cause further pain and discomfort to the child.

Teeth Crowding

Overcrowding of teeth happens when there aren’t enough spaces for all the teeth to fit comfortably in your child’s mouth. In such cases, we recommend extracting some of the baby teeth to make room for the permanent ones that will emerge later.

Simple vs. Surgical Extraction: Which One Does Your Child Need?

There are two primary types of tooth extraction methods: simple and surgical. Simple tooth extraction Simple extractions remove a visible tooth, such as an incisor. Most of the time, these extractions are non-invasive and only require local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize pain. Surgical tooth extraction In contrast, a surgical extraction removes a tooth from an inaccessible area, such as molars and premolars. This requires cutting the tissue surrounding the tooth and may require general anesthesia. If your child has a broken tooth fractured under the gum line, your dentist will most likely recommend a surgical tooth extraction. Consulting with an experienced pediatric dentist is the best way to determine which type of extraction your child needs.

How To Prepare Your Child for a Pediatric Extraction

Not many children see a visit to the dentist as an exciting and pleasant experience, which could be attributed to a past traumatic experience. Preparing your child for the extraction procedure can significantly affect their confidence with the process.

Here are some ways to help you make a visit to the dentist less stressful:

Patiently Explain Why They Need To Do It

Children sometimes fear the procedure because they don’t know what it is and what they should expect.

When explaining the procedure to your child, ensure that you explain it in a way that is easy for them to understand. The more they know about the process, the easier it will be for them to manage their expectations and fears.

Have Them Bring Their Comfort Items

Many children find comfort in holding their favorite toy or blanket. Allowing them to bring these items for their appointment can help reduce their anxiety and make the experience more pleasant.

They may also find comfort in listening to their favorite music, so don’t hesitate to bring a music player or download their favorite song to your device.

Help Them See It in a Positive Light

Children sometimes fear tooth extraction because they were taught to fear the procedure. If this is the case, you should help your child see tooth extraction in a positive light.

You can tell them that their pain will go away after the procedure or that they will grow their adult teeth to help them feel excited and at ease about the process.

Prepare Them at the Start of the Day

Preparing your child for the appointment at the start of the day could help with their anxiety. Find an engaging yet relaxing activity you can do with your child before heading out to the clinic.

These activities could be as simple as watching TV, reading a book, or playing with them. This way, they will be in a better emotional state when the procedure starts.

Look for a Family-oriented Dental Clinic

Sometimes, children fear tooth extraction because they are children. In this case, you need to look for a family-oriented pediatric clinic with empathetic and experienced staff members and pediatric dentists who can help make the procedure less intimidating for your child.

Book Your Appointment With Our Pediatric Dentists Today

Tooth extraction is a significant event in your child’s life. If they end up with an impatient and intimidating dentist, this could leave a lasting impression on their views of dental care.

When looking for your child’s dental care provider, you should look for a clinic with experienced, loving, and patient pediatric dentists who can handle your child’s needs with ease and compassion.

This is what we do best at Bay Area Kids Dentist. Our experienced pediatric dentists and inviting staff members are here to provide you and your kids with the best dental care experience.

From your first consultation to post-operative care, we promise to provide exceptional service and the highest standards of dental care.

Book your appointment today and make your trips to the dentist less daunting for your children!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

If your child is recovering from a baby tooth extraction, it will take around one to two days to heal. However, this varies depending on the type of extraction your child had, their overall health, and the intensity of the procedure.

On the other hand, if your child is recovering from permanent tooth extraction, it could take around a week to recover fully.

Most permanent teeth grow at the age of six to seven, so it’s not uncommon for some children to have their permanent teeth extracted, especially if it was severely fractured.

Is a tooth extraction painful?

This depends on your child’s pain tolerance and the type of extraction they had. The procedure is generally painless, but some children may experience slight discomfort during or after the operation.

If needed, your pediatric dentist will provide your child with local anesthesia to help reduce any pain they may feel during the procedure. They can also offer your child other medications to reduce anxiety and make them more comfortable during the extraction, which could lessen their anticipation of pain.

How serious is a tooth extraction?

Most baby tooth extractions are not serious and can be resolved in a single visit. However, if the extraction involves a permanent tooth or is complicated by gum disease or infection, it could require additional treatment, such as root canal therapy or surgery.

In this case, your pediatric dentist will assess the situation and develop a suitable plan for your child to ensure their successful and safe recovery.

At the same time, performing a tooth extraction when it’s unnecessary can damage the adjacent teeth or cause other dental or speech problems. That’s why it’s crucial to consult an experienced and reputable pediatric dentist before performing the extraction.

What should you not do after a tooth extraction?

It’s recommended to avoid strenuous physical activities after tooth extraction. Rinsing vigorously or doing something to dislodge the blood clot in your child’s mouth is also not recommended, as this can cause complications and slow down the healing process.

You would also like to avoid hard foods, such as candy, popcorn, and nuts because they can prevent your child’s wound from healing properly. Ideally, you should stick to a soft or liquid diet within 24 hours after the procedure.

When does a tooth extraction hurt the most?

Generally, the area where the tooth is extracted is sensitive for the next two days, and your child may feel discomfort during this time. After two days, the pain should start improving and eventually completely disappear.

Your pediatric dentist may recommend using an ice pack on your child’s face and jaw to reduce the swelling, which could also help with pain management. Additionally, taking over-the-counter medications for pain relief may be beneficial if recommended by your dentist.