Dental Extractions

Walnut Creek, CA

Treatments

At Creekside Kids Dentistry, we never spare any effort to restore and save damaged or infected teeth. However, there are times when extracting a tooth is the only viable option to maintain a healthy smile. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure our young patients have the best possible dental experience.

Why Do Children and Young Adults Need Tooth Extractions?

There are many reasons why a child or young adult would need to have a tooth pulled, including the following:

To Make Room for Permanent Teeth: Sometimes, a baby tooth isn't ready to fall out, even though the adult tooth is ready to come in. We may recommend a tooth extraction to ensure the new tooth has all the space it needs to erupt in the proper position.
Extensive Tooth Decay: If a cavity is not treated, it can progress and lead to severe pain and infection. Our team will do everything possible to save the infected tooth, but if that's no longer an option, an extraction may be the only viable solution.
An Accident or Trauma: An accident or trauma can sometimes cause irreparable damage to a tooth. If the affected tooth is not extracted, it may lead to further discomfort and complications.
Orthodontic Treatment: Overcrowding can happen if there isn't sufficient room in the jaw to accommodate the incoming teeth. Orthodontic treatment plans may require selective tooth extractions to make space for the remaining teeth to move into alignment.

What Is the Tooth Extraction Procedure?

There are two main types of extraction procedures: simple and surgical. We will numb the area with a local anesthetic to provide a pain-free experience. We are also happy to offer nitrous oxide sedation to help our young patients feel calm and relaxed during treatment.

A simple extraction is needed to remove a tooth that is visible above the gum line. The straightforward procedure is usually performed under a local anesthetic with minimal discomfort. Surgical extractions are more involved. They are needed to remove teeth that are not as accessible, including those that are impacted or broken.

Promoting Healing After a Tooth Extraction

Most tooth extractions are free of pain, but some children or young adults may experience discomfort after the procedure. An ice pack and over-the-counter pain relief medication may be beneficial, as recommended by our dentist.

We recommend eating soft foods and avoiding brushing and flossing around the extraction site for at least 24 hours after the procedure. We also recommend avoiding rinsing vigorously or drinking from a straw for a day or two. These activities may dislodge the blood clot forming in the tooth socket, interfering with healing and potentially leading to a painful complication known as dry socket. If you have any questions or concerns in the days following the tooth extraction, please contact our office for guidance.

What Are Space Maintainers?

Baby teeth act as placeholders, maintaining the space the adult teeth need and guiding them to come in the correct position. If a baby tooth is extracted or lost before its replacement is ready to erupt, we may recommend a "space maintainer" to hold open the space. That prevents the neighboring teeth from shifting toward the gap, which may lead to crooked adult teeth and problems with the bite. Space maintainers reduce or even eliminate the need for braces down the road.

How We Help Our Patients Feel Right at Home

At Creekside Kids Dentistry, we strive to ensure every visit to our office is a happy, stress-free experience. Here are some ways we help our young patients feel right at home:

Our patient-centered team spares no effort to create a warm, happy atmosphere where even the most anxious patients feel safe, comfortable, and at ease.
We use cutting-edge technology to provide our young patients with the best possible dental experience.
We use visual aids and explain procedures in age-appropriate terms to help our young patients know what to expect.
We always take the time to answer every question and address every concern.
We use a variety of tools and techniques, including nitrous oxide sedation, to help our young patients relax in the dentist's chair.

We always take the time to answer every question and address every concern.
We use a variety of tools and techniques, including nitrous oxide sedation, to help our young patients relax in the dentist's chair.