Tooth Extractions in Greenville NC | Greenville NC Tooth Extractions

A young girl with a toothy smile holds a small white pill between her fingers, smiling broadly at the camera.

Tooth Extractions

At Casey Dental, we understand that the thought of a tooth extraction can be daunting for both children and parents. However, it's important to remember that our top priority is always your child's well-being and oral health. While we strive to preserve every tooth possible, sometimes an extraction may be necessary to protect your child's smile and overall health.

Why Might a Tooth Extraction Be Necessary?

Over-retained baby or deciduous teeth

In most cases, baby teeth fall out naturally as permanent teeth push through the gums. However, sometimes a baby tooth may remain firmly attached to the bone, disrupting the eruption of its underlying permanent successor. This can happen when the baby tooth's roots fail to resorb and shrink as intended or become ankylosed and fuse to the supporting bone. At Casey Dental, we monitor your child's smile development closely and may recommend a primary tooth extraction if necessary to facilitate the proper eruption of their permanent teeth.

Extensive tooth decay

Dental decay is a progressive condition that starts as a small cavity in the enamel. If left untreated, it can work its way through the layers of the tooth, causing irreversible damage to the dental nerve and leading to infection. In severe cases where a tooth has sustained too much structural damage and cannot be restored, a dental extraction may be required to prevent further complications.

Dental trauma

Teeth can sustain various types of chips, cracks, and fractures due to accidents or sports injuries. The extent of the damage will determine if there's enough intact tooth structure to save the tooth and what type of treatment is needed. When too much tooth structure has been compromised, an extraction may be necessary.

Overcrowded teeth

A common orthodontic issue, overcrowding occurs when the upper and lower jaws are not large enough to accommodate all the permanent teeth. As part of an orthodontic treatment plan to align the teeth and establish a healthy bite, the extraction of select permanent teeth may be required.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

Does it hurt?

Every child and every situation is unique. During the procedure, your child's tooth and surrounding tissues will be numbed with a local anesthetic. They should only feel some pressure but no pain. For children who are anxious or require more extensive procedures, we offer dental sedation options to provide relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.

What happens after the extraction?

After the tooth is removed, the area will be cleaned and dressed. Your child may experience some tenderness and swelling for a few days, but this should subside with time. We'll provide you with post-operative instructions, including "dos" and "don'ts," to help ensure proper healing.

The Importance of Space Maintenance After an Extraction

After a baby tooth is extracted, it's essential to maintain the space for the permanent tooth that will eventually erupt. If the space is not maintained, neighboring teeth can shift and cause future orthodontic issues. At Casey Dental, we may recommend a space maintainer to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts.

Caring for Your Child's Oral Health After an Extraction

Proper oral hygiene is crucial after a tooth extraction to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are some tips to help you care for your child's smile:

Bleeding: Expect some bleeding immediately following the extraction. Have your child bite down gently on a piece of gauze for about 20-30 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
Avoid activities: Encourage your child to avoid strenuous activities, such as sports or physical exertion, for at least 48 hours after the extraction to prevent dislodging the blood clot and delaying healing.
Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions on the package and consult your child's dentist if you have concerns about administering medication.
Oral hygiene: Help your child maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing their teeth, avoiding the extraction site for the first few days, and encouraging them to rinse with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean.

Contact Casey Dental for Tooth Extraction Services in Greenville, NC

At Casey Dental, we're committed to providing exceptional dental care tailored to your child's unique needs. If you have any questions about tooth extractions or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team. We look forward to helping your child maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!