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Extractions

Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentists located in Yorktown Heights, NY

If your child develops a cavity, infection, or impacted wisdom tooth, extractions may be necessary. Thanks to modern treatment techniques and anesthetics, this process is both quick and comfortable. At Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry in Yorktown Heights, New York, Staci Brunell, DMD, and the team perform extractions on-site in their state-of-the-art facilities. To schedule an appointment for your child, book a consultation online, or call the practice today.

Extractions Q & A

What are extractions?

Tooth extractions are a quick outpatient procedure performed by a dentist. Though your child’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, it’s common for issues to arise. Whenever possible, the team at Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry tries to preserve their patients’ teeth, but sometimes there’s no other option.

Why would my child need extractions?

There are several reasons your child might need extractions, including:

  • Severe tooth decay
  • Infection
  • Overcrowding
  • Impacted wisdom teeth

Your child might also benefit from extraction if they’re preparing to undergo chemotherapy or receive an organ transplant. Extracting teeth prior to these procedures significantly lowers the risk of infection and other potential complications.

What are the types of extractions?

Extractions fall into two separate categories:

Simple extractions

If your child’s affected tooth is above the gumline and easy to access, their provider performs a simple extraction. Prior to extracting the tooth, your child’s provider administers a local anesthetic, numbing their mouth. After the anesthesia kicks in, your child’s provider loosens the tooth with a tool called an elevator and carefully extracts it using forceps.

Surgical extractions

If your child has one or more impacted teeth, their provider might recommend surgical extractions. Prior to performing a surgical extraction, your child’s provider administers a local anesthetic. Once the anesthesia takes effect, your child’s provider carefully makes an incision along their gum line.

This incision reveals the tooth (or teeth) underneath. Your child’s provider cuts the tooth into several small pieces and removes each piece using forceps. Afterward, they stitch up the incision. 

After extractions, what is the recovery process like?

Following extractions, it’s normal for your child to experience some swelling, sensitivity, and minor discomfort. To relieve the pain, they can take over-the-counter medication or apply an ice pack to their cheek. 

Make sure to follow your child’s provider’s instructions carefully. Make sure your child takes any medications as prescribed, avoids rinsing or brushing the empty tooth socket, and sticks to soft foods like mashed potatoes and applesauce. Your child should feel back to normal within a few days. 

About a week following your child’s extractions, you return to Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry for a follow-up appointment. During this time, your child’s provider ensures the extraction site is healing and infection-free.

To learn more about extractions, schedule an appointment at Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry. Book a consultation online, or call the office and speak with a friendly staff member today.