Finding out that your child needs a tooth extraction is certainly not the best news for any parent. However, these procedures are more common than you may think and are routinely used to remove a severely decayed tooth or to help with orthodontic treatment.
Don’t worry! Your child will have local anesthesia and laughing gas throughout the procedure and won’t feel a thing. But, how you care for their oral health after the extraction can make a significant difference in their healing process.
Post Extraction Care
After the dentist extracts your child’s tooth, they will ask them to bite on a sterile gauze for about 20 minutes. This step is essential as it promotes the formation of a blood clot. This blood clot not only protects the underlying tissues, bone, and nerves of the tooth socket but also sets the foundation for the growth of new bone and soft tissue.
If the blood clot is dislodged, bleeding may reoccur.
How to Promote Healing After an Extraction
Your child’s dentist will give you a list with specific instructions that you need to follow to help the extraction heal.
- Don’t let your child drink water or other liquids using a straw. The suction motion can dislodge the blood clot.
- Don’t give your child any hard or sticky foods. Only offer them liquid and soft foods for a few days, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, cream soups, and so on.
- Make sure that your child chews on the other side of the extraction.
- Don’t brush the extraction site, but ask your child to gently rinse their mouth with water.
- Make sure that they get plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous physical activities for a few days, such as soccer practice.
Are You Anxious About Your Child’s Appointment to Remove a Tooth?
It’s normal to be anxious, but you can rest assured that your child is in good hands with us. The team at Miles of Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will make sure that your child is safe and comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
Contact us now to learn more about our services.
