We will sometimes recommend pediatric tooth extractions in our Worcester, MA, office if children have problems with permanent tooth eruption, misalignment, tooth decay, or even wisdom teeth. At Children’s Dental Specialties, we make sure that our patients feel as comfortable as possible during their extraction treatment. Dr. Dan Moheban works with anesthesiologist Dr. Patrick McCarty to provide dental sedation for comfortable care. We also understand that losing a tooth can be scary for kids. Our caring and compassionate knows how to comfort your child when they’re feeling anxious about extractions. We do our best to help parents feel comfortable throughout the process, too, by maintaining a calm environment and thoroughly answering any questions and concerns.
Types of Tooth Extractions in Worcester, MA
During their childhood and teen years, your kids may experience one or more of the following types of extractions:
1. Pediatric Extractions of Primary Teeth
Primary tooth extractions are the most common type of tooth for children. Baby teeth act as placeholders for your child’s permanent teeth. Around age five or six, your child will start to lose their baby teeth. Typically, kids get all their adult teeth in by the time they’re 12 years old. During those six years, the primary teeth will become loose.
As the permanent teeth emerge, they cause the roots of the baby teeth to resorb. Since the roots are the anchors that keep the teeth in the jawbone, once the roots are gone, the teeth become loose and eventually come out. Sometimes, the baby teeth don’t become loose. In those cases, it’s best for a pediatric dentist in Worcester, MA, to extract the tooth. Not removing baby teeth can interfere with permanent tooth eruption, lead to crooked teeth and create a misaligned bite.
2. Orthodontic Extractions
Sometimes a child will need orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth or misalignment but will not have enough space in their mouth. To properly align the teeth, they need more room. If this is the case for your child, we may extract teeth to create more space. Such extractions are common in orthodontics.
3. Wisdom Teeth Extractions
We recommend wisdom tooth evaluations for patients between ages 16 and 18. Wisdom teeth are the final permanent teeth to emerge behind the molars. Most people simply don’t have enough space in their mouths for these teeth to emerge properly.
Impacted wisdom teeth can make it hard to properly brush and floss, putting your child at risk for dental decay and gum disease. Additionally, the wisdom teeth can push against the molars in front of them, leading to root resorption of that tooth. If the teeth are impacted in the bone, they can develop a cyst or infection that can cause jaw or tooth pain. It’s often best for these teeth to be removed before they cause a problem.
4. Extractions Due to Dental Disease
For the most part, if your child loses a tooth due to dental disease, it’s more likely to be caused by tooth decay than gum disease. Rampant or deep dental decay can cause toothaches and infections. Sometimes a tooth can become so severely damaged that we cannot provide a root canal or filling. The tooth will need to come out.
Should You Pull Your Child’s Baby Teeth?
One of the most common questions we get from parents is: Do we really need a pediatric dentist to extract our child’s baby teeth? In many cases, no — all you need to do is sit back and let nature take its course. Your child can wiggle the tooth to help it along, but that’s where the “help” should stop.
It’s best not to pull the tooth out as you risk pain, bleeding, and swelling. The tooth will come out when it’s ready. However, if your child’s tooth is not loose or doesn’t come out when it’s supposed to (your dentist can advise you when each tooth should fall out), pediatric tooth extractions may be necessary.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Does your child have sudden or chronic tooth pain? Request a dental consultation with us online or call our office today at (508) 625-5534. We will help determine if your child requires a tooth extraction or other treatment to address their symptoms.