Pediatric Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions in children may sound intimidating, but they are sometimes a necessary part of ensuring your child’s overall oral health. Whether it’s due to severe decay, trauma, or crowding, our team at Bright Healthy Smiles approaches every extraction with care, comfort, and your child’s long-term dental development in mind.

Why Might a Child Need a Tooth Extracted?

There are a few common reasons a baby or permanent tooth may need to be removed:

• Extensive decay that has reached the nerve and cannot be restored
• Injury or trauma that has broken the tooth or damaged the root
• Over-retained baby teeth that are preventing the proper eruption of permanent teeth
• Orthodontic reasons, such as space issues or alignment concerns

What to Expect

Depending on the situation, a pediatric extraction can range from a simple removal to a more involved surgical procedure. Our pediatric dentists will carefully evaluate:

• Your child’s age and medical history
• The location and condition of the tooth
• Your child’s comfort level and behavioral needs

If the case is more complex or involves impacted teeth, we may collaborate with an oral surgeon who specializes in treating children to ensure the safest and most comfortable outcome. Every step of the way, we’ll keep you fully informed and involved in the decision-making process.

After the Extraction

If a baby tooth is removed earlier than expected, your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer—a small appliance that holds the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. We’ll work closely with our orthodontist to select the appropriate type of space maintainer based on your child’s needs, and we’ll discuss all options with you before moving forward.

With today’s modern techniques and our focus on gentle, compassionate care, tooth extractions are safe, smooth, and easier to recover from than ever before.