Kids Tooth Extractions San Luis Obispo
Removing Problematic Teeth When Necessary
Losing baby teeth and getting adult ones are an exciting part of growing up! However, while your child has them and after their permanent teeth come through, it’s important to protect and preserve these teeth whenever possible. In fact, their adult teeth are meant to last for the rest of their lives! However, sometimes purposefully removing a tooth is the best or only solution to protect the rest of your child’s smile. If this is the case for you and your kid, rest assured that Coastal Pediatric Dentistry will take excellent care and help them get through this procedure with a healthier, happier smile.
Why Choose Coastal Pediatric Dentistry for Kids Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists with Kids of Their Own
- Safe Sedation Options Available to Ease Anxiety
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Stubborn, Late Baby Teeth
By the time your child reaches their teenage years, they should have lost their primary or baby teeth. However, you should typically wait until they feel ready to come out naturally. If a couple have remained beyond a certain age, it may become necessary to remove them to allow the permanent teeth enough space to erupt and/or straighten.
Tooth Decay
Cavities are the most common childhood condition in the entire world, and they can negatively impact nearly every facet of your child’s life. Fortunately, in many cases, pulp therapy and root canal treatment can resolve some advanced cases of tooth decay, allowing your child to keep their natural tooth structure for as long as possible. When this isn’t feasible, however, extraction may be the best choice. For badly decayed baby teeth, space maintainers may be put in to keep room open for the permanent teeth. If a permanent tooth must be removed, we can talk to you about getting a bridge or other replacement option.
Gum Infection
Although not as common among youth as adults, gum disease can still afflict children and teens. This infection weakens the support teeth receive, making them feel loose and eventually resulting in irreversible tooth loss.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Once we determine that extraction is the best course of action, we will schedule the procedure for another day. We’ll start by potentially numbing the area of your child’s mouth with a local anesthetic. In some situations, such as when extracting a permanent tooth, we may strongly recommend using sedation like nitrous oxide or even deeper alternatives if your child feels especially anxious or sensitive to pain.
Depending on the complexity of the roots for the tooth, we can take several approaches. For baby teeth, which have short roots, as well as for straightforward, erupted permanent teeth, just gentle rocking back and forth usually loosens the connection with the gums and jawbone, resulting in the release of the tooth. If, however, the tooth is still submerged in the gum tissue, we will need to create a small opening and surgically take it out. Keep in mind that the tooth may come out more easily if it’s broken into smaller pieces. Afterward, the tissue is closed back up with sutures.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
The short time that follows a tooth extraction is critical for your child’s recovery. While the site heals and covers the opening left by the tooth, a blood clot forms to shield the vulnerable tissue from bacteria. This clot must stay in place until it naturally comes eventually. As a result, for the first 24 to 48 hours, your child must not use a straw or have extremely hot or cold foods or beverages, but they should only have soft foods for at least several days afterward. They should also stop rigorous activities or exercise for at least a few days. About a week after the extraction, your child should be able to eat normal foods and return to their usual activity level without fear of dislodging the clot prematurely and causing a complication called dry socket.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Typically, especially for kids, if our team recommends an extraction, we feel it will be the best investment and option for the future of your child’s smile. In other words, it’s worthwhile in the long run and could help you spend less on repairs later as your child learns to take care of their teeth and gums with maturity.
At Coastal Pediatric Dentistry, we disclose the estimated price upfront so that you are fully aware of your obligation before we begin treatment. As a result, you may ask any questions you have about cost, and we will happily explain every detail and explore your payment options with you.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Although two young patients may receive tooth extractions, the cost may not always match from case to case because certain elements make each situation unique. One of these factors includes the method needed to carry out the extraction. If the tooth remains below the gums, it requires a more complex process to remove, costing more. Likewise, the type of tooth may also affect the price; a baby tooth doesn’t take much effort or time while a permanent tooth can. When we recommend an extraction, we can break down the cost of the procedure clearly.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
When it comes to tooth extractions, dental insurance typically pays for a decent portion of the cost. Although it depends on your specific policy, this amount is usually around 50 percent coverage, meaning you will likely need to pay the rest out-of-pocket. If your child needs a replacement for a permanent tooth, a restoration will add to the overall cost, but this restoration, too, should be partially covered by insurance. Ultimately, we are happy to submit paperwork to your insurance provider and help you get the maximum coverage possible from your plan.
How to Make Tooth Extractions Affordable
With or without insurance, your child’s care with us doesn’t have to deplete your bank account. In addition to normal forms of financing, such as credit cards, check, debit cards, or paying cash, you can afford tooth extraction by applying for CareCredit, a third-party financier that specializes in medical and dental expenses. As a result of their role in healthcare, the interest rate with CareCredit is generally much lower than what you’d get with a credit card, depending on your eligibility.
Kids Tooth Extractions FAQs
How Can I Help My Child Sleep Comfortably After Tooth Extraction?
As with any type of healing, recovery from tooth extraction can be accelerated and assisted when the patient gets plenty of rest and sleep after treatment. However, this procedure in the mouth can hinder their ability to relax, especially once the anesthetic or sedation has worn off. To keep them comfortable and ready to rest, give them over-the-counter pain reliever according to directions, elevate their head as they lie down with a pillow or two, and place a cold compress on their face for about 20 minutes. These can prevent blood from rushing to their head and lower their pain levels, allowing them to sleep and recover more efficiently.
What Are Signs of Dry Socket or Other Complications After Tooth Extraction?
Following our instructions should protect your child from trouble, and complications are not common. However, if you notice any of these symptoms following a tooth extraction, be sure to contact our office immediately. These could indicate your child has an infection that needs further treatment and professional attention, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our pediatric dentists.
- Loss of the blood clot within the first two days after the procedure.
- Growing or worsening pain.
- Fever of more than 100 degrees F.
- Swelling in the extraction site.
- Visible bone at the site.
- Bad breath or taste in the mouth.
How Can I Help My Child Be Less Afraid of Tooth Loss?
Especially for younger children who have not experienced losing a tooth, having their teeth come out, whether on their own naturally or through an extraction in our office, can be slightly frightening. Fortunately, you have many resources, including kids’ books and our friendly team, to help comfort your child and encourage a positive outlook in the situation. Remind them everyone eventually loses their baby teeth to give room to permanent ones, and even if your child happens to need an adult tooth removed, know that necessary replacement options have never been better!
Does a Kid’s Tooth Extraction Hurt?
The last thing we want to do is turn dental treatment into a painful, negative experience for kids, so rest assured that we will keep your child comfortable throughout the procedure. The local anesthetic and sedation are strong enough that your child shouldn’t feel discomfort as we work. When you get home, your child may start to feel soreness in their mouth, which means you may give your child pain reliever as directed. A cold compress can also temporarily numb the area and can be applied to your child’s face in 20-minute increments.