While baby teeth naturally fall out on their own, sometimes a primary tooth extraction becomes necessary. As a pediatric dental practice, we want to help you understand when and why this procedure might be recommended for your child.
Most commonly, we consider extracting a primary tooth when:
- It’s severely damaged by decay and can’t be saved through other treatments
- It’s preventing the proper eruption of permanent teeth
- There’s a significant infection or abscess that could affect surrounding teeth
- The tooth is loose but stubbornly hanging on, causing discomfort or eating difficulties
Your Child’s Comfort Is Our Priority
For children who feel nervous about dental procedures, we offer several gentle sedation options. Nitrous oxide (often called “laughing gas”) is a safe, mild sedative that helps children feel relaxed and more comfortable throughout the procedure. The effects wear off quickly afterward. For more anxious patients, we can discuss other appropriate sedation methods to ensure a stress-free experience.
The procedure itself is quick. Most children return to their normal activities the same day, though we recommend soft foods for the first 24 hours.
Many parents worry about extracting a baby tooth too early, but rest assured – we carefully evaluate each case. When necessary, we can place a space maintainer to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting until the permanent tooth emerges.
Remember, early intervention often prevents more complicated dental issues down the road. If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, we’re here to answer your questions and provide the best care possible.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Goodwin is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree from Georgia Health Sciences University before completing a two-year pediatric specialty training. As one of the three dentists at Smile University Pediatric Dentistry, he is pleased to provide safe and comfortable tooth extractions to children of all ages. Visit our website or call (512) 400-3280 to discover why procedure might be necessary to ensure the health of your child’s smile.