Pediatric Dentist Baby Teeth Extractions in San Luis Obispo

Pediatric Dentist Baby Teeth Extractions 

When the first baby tooth comes in, it’s an exciting time for the
parent. Before you realize it, they have a mouthful! Baby teeth are tiny
and beautiful but they start shedding when your child is about 6 years
old. The shedding allows permanent teeth to come in. Sometimes a
pediatric dentist suggests a baby tooth extraction for some reason.
Don’t be alarmed, baby teeth extractions are simple procedures and your
dentist will only recommend them when they are absolutely necessary.

Why pediatric dentists may recommend baby teeth
extractions

Before a pediatric dentist recommends an extraction, they’ll first
determine whether the affected baby tooth is close to shedding or not.
They’ll also check whether there is a risk of complication should they
not extract it.

Situations that warrant a tooth extraction include:

A dental injury

Did your child sustain a dental injury that caused a fractured or
cracked tooth? If the crack is small, your dentist will use other
treatment options to fill it. If the crack runs deep into the root, it
will be extracted to avoid root and gum infections.

Preparation for orthodontics

If your child is required to wear braces to straighten their baby
teeth and create a good foundation for permanent teeth, your dentist may
have to remove some crowded teeth.

Severe tooth decay

A tooth that has been severely damaged by decay can’t be saved. Only
minor decay can be saved through a dental filling.

Over-retained baby tooth

Have you seen a permanent tooth erupting before the baby tooth is
shed? That’s a case of an over-retained baby tooth. In such a situation,
an extraction is recommended.

How will the tooth be extracted?

Baby teeth extraction is quite simple compared to adult teeth
especially if the affected tooth is above the gum line.

The pediatric dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area in
preparation for the extraction. Sedation is only recommended when there
is a complication or the child has severe dental anxiety. Your dentist
will use forceps to detach and remove the tooth.

Call us to find a good pediatric dentist for baby teeth
extractions.