Teeth 101 | Why See a Pediatric Dentist? | Extractions | Pulpotomy
Wisdom Teeth | Sealants
Extractions
There are times when it is necessary to extract (or remove) a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so Dr. Henderson may recommend an extraction. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.
When it is determined that your child’s tooth needs to be removed, Dr. Henderson may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may request another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your child’s jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and the tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, Dr. Henderson must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, a sedation appointment may be necessary to complete the procedure. At your initial visit with Dr. Henderson, various options for sedation will be discussed with you, if applicable to your child.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift causing problems with chewing, alignment or with your child’s jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, Dr. Henderson may recommend a space maintainer or other options.