Extractions
Child tooth extraction. Our last option, not an easy one.
When we can save a tooth, we save it. But there are situations where a tooth is doing more harm than good, and leaving it in place costs a child more than taking it out. Dr. Naila Farooq has done only pediatric dentistry since 1999.
How it goes
An extraction, in the order it happens.
Numbing, checking, pressure, done. A loose baby tooth is far less involved than most parents imagine. We tell your child what we are doing as we do it, because surprises are what frighten children.
- 01
Explaining why first
We say why first: decay or damage too extensive to repair, an infection with no other treatment, a baby tooth blocking the permanent tooth behind it, or room an orthodontist has asked for.
- 02
Numbing, then checking
We numb the area thoroughly and check that it is numb before we begin. For anxious children or longer procedures, nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, helps them relax.
- 03
Pressure, not pain
Your child feels pressure rather than pain. We say what they will feel before they feel it, and what they will not.
- 04
Holding the space
If a baby tooth comes out years early, the neighbors lean into the gap and the permanent tooth arrives to find its place taken. A space maintainer, a small appliance, holds the gap open.
Recovery
The first hour, the first day, and when to call us.
Short, for most children. Soreness usually responds to over-the-counter pain medication and fades within a couple of days.
- Steady pressure on the gauze, first hour
- Soft foods for the rest of the day
- No straws, since suction disturbs the healing site
- Over-the-counter pain medication for soreness, which fades in a couple of days
- Call if bleeding does not slow, or pain rises after day two
- Call for swelling or fever: office 248-360-2555, after hours 248-345-6775
Questions parents ask
Before the extraction.
What parents ask when a tooth has to come out.
Why pull a baby tooth if it is going to fall out anyway?
Because a tooth that is infected or badly broken causes real problems while it waits. Decay spreads to neighboring teeth. Infection is painful and can affect the permanent tooth beneath it. Or the reverse: a baby tooth that will not loosen is blocking the permanent tooth from coming in straight. Waiting is not neutral.
Will it hurt?
We numb completely before we begin, so what your child feels is pressure rather than pain. Nitrous oxide is offered for anxious children or more involved extractions. Soreness afterward is normal for a day or two.
What is a space maintainer, and will my child need one?
A small appliance that holds open the space left by a baby tooth that came out early. Whether your child needs one depends on which tooth and how long until the permanent one erupts.
What is recovery like?
Short, for most children. Some bleeding for the first hour, soft foods for the rest of the day, no straws, and soreness that fades within a couple of days.
How do I prepare my child for the visit?
Keep it simple and calm. Tell your child a tooth is going to be helped out and that Dr. Farooq will explain each step first. A normal meal beforehand is fine unless sedation is planned, in which case the front desk gives you instructions.
What parents say about extractions.
Google review“My 8 year old had to get 2 teeth extracted and they were FANTASTIC! She was so nervous and it took max of 10 minutes. She said she didn’t feel a thing!”
Google review“My daughter had to have 4 teeth removed, and they explained every step of the way to her and made it a wonderful experience. It was worth the hour drive, and this will be my regular dentist for my children!”
Google review“My daughter needed to have some silver caps and a tooth extraction done. Dr. Farooq was so patient and gentle with my daughter. She talked to her and gave encouragement the entire time, and she explained everything to me as well.”
Before and after an extraction
Book a visit
Ready to schedule your child’s visit?
Call us during office hours or send a request online any time. Our team will reach out to book a time that works for your family.
New patients are always welcome.
Front desk, Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
After-hours dental emergency? Call 248-345-6775.
Have an emergency?
If your child is struggling to breathe or swallow, or has a head injury, call 911 first. For a dental emergency that is not life-threatening, such as a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, dental swelling, or pain that will not settle, call our emergency line, day or night. We would rather tell you it can wait than have you sit on it over a weekend.