A tooth extraction is a procedure when a tooth is completely removed from its socket. Many people call it “pulling a tooth”.

When does a child require an extraction?

The most common reasons are:

• Baby tooth removal
• An abscess (infection)
• A large cavity where there is not enough healthy tooth structure remaining.
• Crowding/orthodontic reasons

We aim to provide the most comfortable experience possible for your child. Your child will receive a topical anesthetic to numb the gums, followed by a local anesthetic so they do not experience pain during the procedure. Depending on your child and the procedures being done the dentist will also go over additional comfort options that are available. During the procedure your child will feel pressure, which may be an uncomfortable feeling – but not painful. We will talk your child through this process so they know what to expect.

The local anesthetic (numbing medication) will cause numbness for about two hours where the tooth was removed and to the surrounding area. Your child may be tempted to chew on their numb lips or cheek, as it’s a strange feeling, especially if they have never been numb before. If your child chews on their lips or cheek it may be painful when the anesthetic wears off, so do your best at helping your child avoid this experience.

Your child may leave with gauze still in their mouth. We will let you know how long to leave it in after the procedure. Most often we will give your child a popsicle to get rid of the bad taste after the extraction and help with the numbness. We love having our popsicle freezer full of all the good flavors!

Sometimes more gauze is needed post-op. We’ll send you home with some to use if bleeding continues, which commonly happens after eating.You can fold the gauze into a square, light moisten with water and place over the extraction site with your child either biting down on it to create pressure or by providing gentle finger pressure for 30 minutes.

It is very normal for the extraction site to experience some slight bleeding or oozing. Often a little blood may be seen in the saliva as well. This is all part of the normal healing process.

For a routine extraction, swelling is typically minimal or does not occur. Routine extractions do not usually require any ice after the procedure. Sometimes, depending on the procedure, the dentist may provide instructions for icing. If your child would feel better having a little ice on the area – we get it – sometimes ice packs fix all problems, just know it’s not necessary unless specified by the dentist. After the first 12 hours all icing can stop.

Your child will be numb for two hours in the area of the extraction from the local anesthetic, so try to keep eating to a minimum in this time period as they’re more likely to accidentally chew on their own cheeks or lips. Soft foods are best for the first 24 hours as they’re easy to eat and less likely to cause discomfort. We recommend avoiding spicy foods, crunchy foods like chips and extremely hot foods for the first 24 hours as they’re more likely to cause discomfort to the extraction site. After 24 hours they can start to eat all the foods they love as soon as they’re comfortable.

Over the counter Ibuprofen or Tylenol is the most effective for discomfort after an extraction. No prescription pain medications will be needed. Please follow all instructions for the pain relievers based on your child’s age & size – do not increase the frequency or make modifications to these instructions. With your consent, we will give your child Ibuprofen immediately after extraction. Many children will not need any pain management after the first day.

It’s important to avoid sip using a straw for the first 24 hours as this can affect the blood clot that formed in the socket and is an important part of the healing process.

1. Continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal. Gently brush the extraction site for the first 3 days.
2. Optional: After 24 hours you can gently rinse with warm saltwater.

• If your child is ready to be active, keep it light for the first 24 hours.

• Skip using a straw for the first 24 hours after extraction. Use a spoon to enjoy a cold milkshake or smoothie instead!
• Brush extraction site gently.
• Soft foods – nothing crunchy that could poke the extraction site.