Reasons Your Child Might Need Extraction
Your child's dentist might recommend a tooth extraction for several reasons, including tooth decay, the need to create space for orthodontic treatment, or wisdom teeth removal. While a tooth extraction is a significant dental procedure, proper aftercare is just as crucial for successful healing.
Immediate Care Following Surgery
- Managing Bleeding: Have your child gently bite down on the gauze pad placed over the surgical area. If the gauze becomes dry, dampen it with water. Maintain firm pressure in 45-60 minute intervals, repeating as needed until the bleeding lessens. Change the gauze as it becomes soaked.
- Rest and Positioning: Keep your child's head elevated and encourage them to sit down and engage in quiet activities like watching a movie or relaxing. Avoid sports and running around until the blood has clotted and a scab has formed over the wound.
- Oral Hygiene: Gently brush the teeth in areas away from the surgical site. Discourage your child from touching or picking at the extraction area.
- Controlling Swelling: Apply ice packs to the facial areas near the extraction site to help reduce swelling.
- Medication: Administer all prescribed medications as directed. If your child experiences any itching or significant swelling, contact our practice immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Diet: Encourage your child to eat softer foods, preferably those high in protein.
- Hydration: Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
The Healing Process
After your child's tooth has been removed, the healing process begins. Baby tooth extractions in healthy children can heal relatively quickly, often within a day or two. Permanent tooth extractions may take a few days to heal. If your child has underlying health conditions or issues with wound healing, the process may take longer. Dr. Ashley and the Sky Pediatric Dentistry team will provide you with a clear understanding of the step-by-step process for caring for your child after dental extractions.
Possible Complications After Tooth Extraction
Bleeding
Some bleeding after a tooth extraction is normal. Pinkish saliva and slight oozing are common in the initial hours. If bleeding becomes excessive, control it by using dampened gauze pads and having your child bite down firmly for 30 minutes. Alternatively, a moistened tea bag can be used as the tannic acid helps constrict blood vessels. Remember that becoming agitated, sitting upright for extended periods, and physical activity can increase blood flow to the head, potentially causing more bleeding. Try to avoid these as much as possible. If you are concerned about the amount of bleeding, please call our practice at (270) 874-4971.
Bone or Tooth Sequestra (Dead Fragments)
In very rare cases, a small piece of tooth or bone might remain that the dentist couldn't remove. You will be informed immediately if this occurs. During healing, these fragments may slowly work their way through the gums, which can be slightly painful. Please call our practice immediately if you notice any sharp fragments poking through the surgery site. Again, this is extremely rare, and you would be informed if it happened during the extraction.
Dry socket
In the days following a permanent tooth extraction, pain should gradually decrease. Rarely, patients report increasing, throbbing pain that can radiate towards the ear. This is often a dry socket. Dry sockets are very uncommon in children but are more frequently seen after wisdom tooth or other permanent tooth removal, especially in teenagers or adults who smoke. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is disturbed or lost before healing is complete, allowing food and debris to irritate the socket. While not an infection, it requires a visit to our office. If you suspect your child has a dry socket after a permanent tooth extraction, please contact our practice immediately at (270) 874-4971.
Numbness
We aim to ensure your child is very comfortable during the extraction, which involves significant numbing. The numb feeling usually wears off within 1 to 6 hours after the procedure. In some cases, Dr. Ashley may administer a reversal agent to reduce the numbness in about 15 minutes. This is typically done for children at higher risk of accidentally biting their lips, cheeks, or tongue after dental work. This option will be discussed in more detail during your child's dental appointment.
Swelling
Swelling should mostly subside within 2 to 10 days after surgery. Immediately after a permanent tooth extraction, apply an ice pack to the facial area near the extraction site in 15-minute intervals for the first 36 hours. After 36 hours, ice is no longer as effective, and moist heat should be used instead. Apply a warm, damp cloth to the sides of your child's face to help decrease swelling.
Trismus (Difficulty Opening and Closing Mouth)
If your child experiences a sore jaw and has trouble chewing or swallowing, don't be alarmed. Occasionally, the chewing muscles and jaw joints remain sore for 3 to 5 days after a permanent tooth extraction. This soreness can also make it difficult to open and close their mouth. The soreness should gradually improve.
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