There are times when a child's tooth may need to be extracted. At Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Manpreet Dhillon (Dr. D) and Dr. Ravneet Dhillon (Dr. Neet) are board-certified pediatric dentists who specialize in gentle pediatric tooth extractions in Garden City, NY. This procedure is typically carried out under anesthesia and is done with the utmost care and precision. It is often necessary when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved, or in cases where a child's adult teeth are coming in and the baby teeth have not yet fallen out. The extraction process is designed to be as painless and stress-free as possible for both the child and the parents.
Why Should I Get Pediatric Tooth Extractions?
If a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, leaving it in place can lead to more serious oral health issues down the line. Infection can spread to other teeth, and in some cases, it can even affect a child's overall health. Additionally, if baby teeth don't fall out in time for the adult teeth to come in, it can lead to crowding or misalignment issues. Pediatric tooth extractions can prevent these problems and ensure that your child's oral health is maintained. Dr. D and Dr. Neet have the expertise and gentle touch needed to carry out this procedure with minimal discomfort.
DID YOU KNOW?
Baby teeth are also known as "milk teeth" because they are whiter than adult teeth!
The Benefits Of Pediatric Tooth Extractions
Prevents Further Damage
If a tooth is already severely decayed or damaged, leaving it untreated can cause further harm to your child's oral health. The infection can spread to the surrounding teeth and even to other parts of the body. By extracting the problematic tooth, we can prevent further damage and protect your child's overall health.
Makes Room for Permanent Teeth
Sometimes, a child's baby teeth don't fall out in time for the adult teeth to come in. This can lead to crowding or misalignment issues. By extracting these stubborn baby teeth, the dentists at Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry can make room for the adult teeth to come in properly.
Reduces Pain and Discomfort
A damaged or decayed tooth can cause significant pain and discomfort for a child. By extracting the tooth, the source of the pain is removed, providing immediate relief. Our team at Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry prioritize your child's comfort and will ensure the extraction process is as painless as possible.
The Pediatric Tooth Extractions Treatment Process
Consultation and Examination
The first step in the extraction process is a thorough consultation and examination. Dr. Manpreet Dhillon or Dr. Ravneet Dhillon will assess your child's oral health and determine if a tooth extraction is necessary. They will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have.
Anesthesia & Sedation
Before the extraction, your child will be given anesthesia to numb the area and ensure they do not feel any pain during the procedure. We also offer sedation options for added comfort – the type of sedation used will depend on your child's age, overall health, and the complexity of the extraction.
Extraction
Once your child is comfortable, the dentist will carefully extract the tooth. They will use specialized tools to gently loosen and remove the tooth, taking care to minimize any discomfort. After the tooth is removed, the area will be cleaned and, if necessary, stitched up to promote healing.
Before & Afters
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Dental Trauma Guide
What to do in the event of trauma to the teeth and mouth:
If bleeding occurs:
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- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
- Try to identify the source of the bleeding
- If the gums or teeth are bleeding see a dental professional
- If the lips or face are injured visit the emergency room
If a tooth is chipped
- If the tooth fragment that chipped off is found, store it in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment
If a baby tooth is knocked out
- Baby teeth are not advised to be re-implanted but should be brought to the dentist to be evaluated
If there is a shift in the position of a tooth/teeth
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If an adult tooth is knocked out
- Handle the tooth by the crown, try to avoid touching the root
- Rinse the tooth with milk or saline, DO NOT SCRUB
- Place the tooth back into the socket if possible
- If not, store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash. Adult teeth can be re-implanted by a dentist
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If unsure whether a baby or adult tooth is knocked out
- Store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline and allow the doctor to determine. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
In all cases, focus on controlling bleeding (with gauze/clean cloth and pressure) and managing pain with motrin/tylenol (follow manufacturers instructions for dosing). Some dental emergencies are more urgent than others but all cases of dental trauma should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
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How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Trauma
Dental injuries are very common amongst active children. Here are some tips to reduce your child's risk of experiencing serious dental trauma.
Safe Play Environments
- Check play areas for younger children for hard surfaces and sharp corners, try to child-proof or limit access to such areas
- Keep hard objects and toys away from young children especially when they are teething (ages 0-3)
Preventing Sports-Related Trauma
- Helmets, facemasks and mouthguards reduce both the frequency and severity of dental/facial trauma.
- Mouthguards are highly recommended for all collision and contact sports and help prevent injuries such as broken or displaced teeth, jaw-joint injury, lip/cheek/chin lacerations and even concussions
- Custom mouthguards made by a dental provider offer the highest level of protection and can be made for children of all ages
- Pre-formed stock mouthguards and boil and bite mouthguards are more affordable alternatives which offer a lower level of protection than custom mouthguards but still reduce the risk and severity of injury
Education and Preparation
- Even with safeguards in place injuries happen! Learning how to manage dental injuries will help the adults managing the situation stay calm and act fast
- Some children are more prone to dental injury depending on their unique dental anatomy. Regular dental check ups will help identify potential risks and a dental provider can offer personalized suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
