Tooth Extractions
An extraction can make both children and parents anxious, but they are a common procedure in most dental offices. Sometimes a child’s tooth has too much decay to restore, or they need a tooth or teeth removed to make room for orthodontic treatment.
Regardless of the reason, our doctors and their team will make sure you and your child are comfortable with the treatment plan.
After some local anesthetic, the doctor will remove your child’s tooth. If it is impacted or if it is a complicated removal, the doctor will discuss with you if sedation options are recommended.
Once the tooth is removed, our dentist will give you post-op instructions, and place a small piece of gauze over the extraction site to stop any bleeding and to help a clot form. Check and replace the gauze every 20 minutes until bleeding stops.
Here are some recommended tips for the first 24 hours after your child’s extraction:
Use over-the-counter or prescribed pain reliever if recommended by the dentist.
Give your child soft foods for the first 24 hours after their extraction.
DO NOT allow your child to drink from a straw, rinse their mouths out, spit, or brush that area for at least 24 hours after tooth removal. This could dislodge the blood clot and cause a very painful issue called dry socket.
Place an ice pack wrapped in a towel over the area for about 20 minutes to relieve swelling and discomfort.
Immediately call our office if your child experiences fever, immense pain, or chills.
Rocklin Pediatric Dentistry always considers your child’s comfort regardless of the type of treatment they are receiving. The dentist will discuss their unique situation with you to determine the best way to help them receive the treatment they need.
Post OP – Extraction
Please let your child bite on the cotton gauze for 15 -30 minutes until bleeding has stopped. A little oozing is ok. Discolored saliva may be apparent for 12-24 hours.
Please do not let your child eat or drink anything for 2 hours. For the rest of the day, eat soft foods and drinks such as soup, yogurt, pasta, applesauce and milkshakes or smoothies with a spoon.
Please do not let your child drink from a straw or nursing bottle. The suction may dislodge the newly forming blood clot and disturb the healing process.
No running or jumping for the rest of the day. Take it easy!
Your child is numb with local anesthesia and will not likely experience any pain immediately following the extraction. However, if your child begins to complain of pain or discomfort as the anesthetic wears off, you may alleviate his/her symptoms with Motrin or Tylenol.
Resume normal brushing this evening. Avoid all rinsing for the rest of the day.
If you have any questions, please call us at (916) 435-9100, Dr. Lora’s cell phone at (916) 436-6192 or Dr. Jessi’s cell phone (702) 376-1123.