After Tooth Extractions

Following your child's tooth extraction, the healing process begins. Baby teeth typically heal quickly in healthy children, often within a day or two. Permanent tooth extractions may take a few days for complete healing. If your child has any underlying health conditions or healing difficulties, the process may take longer. Dr. Amanda Ashley and the Sky Pediatric Dentistry team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your child after their tooth extraction.

Some bleeding after a tooth extraction is expected. Slightly pink saliva and minor oozing are common in the initial hours. If bleeding is excessive, control it by having your child bite down firmly on a moistened gauze pad. Alternatively, a moistened tea bag can be used instead of gauze, as the tannic acid aids in constricting blood vessels. Apply pressure for 30 minutes. Remember that excitement, sitting upright for extended periods, and physical exertion can increase blood flow to the head, potentially leading to more bleeding. Try to avoid these. If you are concerned or if your child’s bleeding seems unusual, please contact us.

In very rare instances, a small piece of tooth or bone might remain that the dentist was unable to remove. You will be informed immediately if this occurs. During recovery, these dead bone fragments, known as sequestra, may naturally work their way through the gums. This can cause some discomfort until they are expelled, so please call our office promptly if you notice any sharp fragments protruding from the surgery site. Again, this is an extremely rare occurrence, and you would be informed immediately if it happened during the extraction.

In the days following your child's tooth extraction, the pain should gradually decrease. In rare cases, patients report increasing pain that becomes throbbing, severe, and may radiate towards the ear. This is often a dry socket. Dry sockets are very uncommon in children and are more typically seen after the removal of wisdom teeth or other permanent teeth, especially in teenagers or adults who smoke. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is disturbed and lost prematurely. Food and debris can then enter the socket, causing irritation. While not an infection, a dry socket requires a visit to our office. If you suspect your child has a dry socket after a permanent tooth extraction, please contact our office immediately.

We prioritize patient comfort during extractions, which includes ensuring adequate numbness. The numb sensation typically subsides within 1 to 6 hours after the procedure. In some instances, Dr. Amanda Ashley may administer a reversal agent to eliminate the numbness within about 15 minutes. This is usually considered for patients at higher risk of accidentally biting their lips, cheeks, or tongue after dental work. This option will be discussed in detail during your child's dental appointment.

Swelling should largely resolve within 2-10 days post-surgery. Immediately following your child's permanent tooth extraction, apply an ice pack to the facial area near the extraction. Continue using ice in 15-minute intervals on the day of the extraction. After 36 hours, ice is no longer as effective for reducing swelling, and moist heat should be applied instead. Use a warm, damp cloth on the sides of your face to help decrease swelling.

If your child experiences jaw soreness and difficulty with chewing or swallowing, there is usually no need for concern. Occasionally, the chewing muscles and jaw joints may remain sore for 3-5 days after a permanent tooth extraction. This soreness can also make it difficult to open fully and close their mouth. The soreness should gradually improve.