Childrens Teeth » Baby Extractions

A baby tooth extraction should be carefully considered and taken seriously. Many patients believe that their children's teeth are worthless and should be taken out. Children's teeth have an important purpose and taking them out prematurely can cause a lot of problems. Children's teeth act like natural braces. They guide the adult teeth up into the correct places and hold the space in the mouth so that the adult teeth do not become crowded when they rise.

Extraction of a baby tooth may be unavoidable when decay or trauma has led to infection and the formation of an abscess at the end of the root.  This infection could be very painful and could affect the growth of the permanent tooth below.  Typically, extraction of a baby tooth is necessary when the decay is so widespread that it cannot be repaired with either a filling or a crown. 

Baby teeth may also need to be extracted when they are blocking the eruption of the permanent tooth or when they are so loose that they cause discomfort or pain for the child.  If your child is complaining of loose teeth that bother them when they eat, it may be time for that tooth to come out.

Fortunately, when necessary, a baby tooth extraction is usually an easy affair. Children require a lot less anaesthetic and usually have very little to no discomfort.  The short roots of baby teeth make them much more easy to remove then adult teeth. Most kids do not need a narcotic analgesic or pain medications.