Tooth Extractions – Towson, MD
Safely Removing Damaged Teeth
It goes without saying that if there’s a choice between saving a natural tooth and removing it, we’ll take the option of saving it every time. Unfortunately, we don’t always have that choice; sometimes, tooth extractions with our Towson, MD pediatric dentist are the only way to protect the rest of the smile. At Kids Dental Space, Dr. Roxanne will do all she can to help your child feel at ease when the time comes for them to have a tooth removed. Call us today if you think your little one might need a tooth extraction soon.
Why Choose Kids Dental Space for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Multiple Options for Relaxing Dental Sedation
- Dentist That Helps Children Stay Calm and Comfortable
Reasons for Kids’ Tooth Extractions
The baby teeth usually start to fall out on their own around elementary school age when the permanent teeth start pushing through the gums. However, a baby tooth might have to be removed early if:
- It has become extremely decayed and can’t be restored with a filling or crown.
- It is fractured or broken to the point where it can no longer be repaired.
- It is over-retained, meaning it didn’t fall out on its own when it was supposed to.
The Tooth Extraction Process
A simple extraction is the removal of a tooth that’s clearly visible in the mouth. We will numb your child's mouth for teh extraction and keep them calm through the entire process.
Aftercare for Your Child’s Tooth Extraction
After the extraction, you should plan on having your child rest for at least 24 hours. Keep an eye on their behavior; they need to avoid anything that could dislodge the blood clot protecting the extraction site, such as drinking from a straw or spitting vigorously. If there’s swelling, you can use an ice pack over the affected area for twenty-minute intervals. Your child should brush and floss like they normally would; watch them to make sure that they treat the extraction site with care.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
The cost of your child’s tooth extraction is going to vary based on various factors that will be determined by our Kids Dental Space team. A scheduled consultation is required to determine not only what type of extraction your child will need but also how much you can expect it to cost. Once we compile all our findings into one cohesive plan, we will go over the proposed estimate and discuss ways you can pay for treatment.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Your child will need to see a member of our team for a thorough examination before we can establish how much it will cost to extract one or more teeth. There are several factors that must be considered before the final amount can be determined, such as:
- The number of teeth your child needs to have removed
- The location of the tooth or teeth that require removal
- The difficulty of the extraction (simple or surgical procedure)
- The proposed tooth replacement that your child might need
- Additional X-rays or imaging that might be required
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Most dental insurance companies consider tooth extractions to be a major or minor restorative service, which means that they will likely cover 50-80% of the total cost. Generally, it’s around 50%, but this is different for each plan, so you’ll need to review your policy or have a member of our team do it for you. Some plans have limits regarding how many teeth can be extracted and covered by insurance, or there may be a waiting period before available coverage can be applied.
Our team at Kids Dental Space is ready to help your little one embrace a healthier smile, so if you’re ready to start the process of tooth extraction, call us today. We’ll go over your insurance information and help you identify the most effective ways to save.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
We understand that many parents are apprehensive about their precious young one undergoing a tooth extraction. Gathering as much information as possible can help to alleviate such feelings. Below, you will find answers to some important FAQs about the tooth extraction procedure. If your specific questions are not addressed here, give us a call. We will be pleased to speak with you!
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
We want our patients to be comfortable. That is why we use plenty of local anesthetic to numb the mouth. For nervous and anxious kids, we can also provide sedation to promote calmness and relaxation. Your child should feel little to nothing during their procedure.
After any local anesthesia and sedation wear off, your child will likely experience some soreness, swelling, and discomfort. Our team can provide tips to minimize such symptoms. For example, we might advise you to give appropriate doses of pain medication to your child. A soft diet can also be very helpful.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Often, the need for a tooth extraction can be prevented via good oral care and early intervention if cavities or other issues develop.
We usually only recommend tooth extractions if we have already considered other options. Tooth removal may be the best choice in instances where a tooth is too badly damaged to restore, it is interfering with incoming adult teeth, or we need to make space in the mouth for orthodontic devices.
What Is the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?
Most patients are feeling normal within a week or so of their tooth extraction. Here are some steps we recommend that can make the recovery process as smooth as possible:
- Make sure your child has plenty of soft and cool snacks to enjoy.
- Encourage your child to stay inside and rest for at least a few days — too much physical activity could slow down their healing time!
- Do not allow your child to drink through a straw. The suction action could dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site and lead to a painful complication known as dry socket.
- Make sure your child is gentle around the extraction site when carrying out their daily oral hygiene tasks.
- Call our office if your child does not notice improvements within 3 or 4 days of their procedure, or if you have any other concerns.
What Are the Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
If one of your child’s permanent teeth must be removed, there are a few possible options for replacing it:
- A fixed bridge. This requires that we modify the abutment teeth (the teeth supporting the bridge). A bridge can last for many years and look very natural.
- A removable denture. A small removable denture can help to prevent dental drift and contribute to pleasing aesthetics.
- A dental implant. Dental implants are usually only suitable for patients who are at least 18 years old. If you would like your child to get an implant in the future, we can place a space maintainer so there is room in your child’s jaw for a replacement tooth when the time is right.