It can be alarming to learn that your child might need to undergo dental work; especially if you’ve worked so hard to instill in them proper oral hygiene habits! However, in some cases, it might become necessary for your child to have one or more of their teeth extracted. While this might seem puzzling, you can rest assured that it’s always going to be in the best interest of your child. Continue reading below to learn more about a few instances when tooth extraction might be necessary for your child, along with why you don’t need to worry about this process at all!
1. The Mouth Is Too Crowded
Perhaps the most common reason for children needing to have teeth extracted has to do with an overcrowded mouth. This is often recommended prior to a child undergoing orthodontic treatment, since in order for braces to work, there needs to be sufficient room for the teeth to be realigned and re-shifted. In some cases, the teeth responsible for crowding might not be fully erupted; this issue, known as impaction, is also often addressed via tooth extraction.
2. Irreparable Damage to the Tooth
Sometimes, teeth sustain physical damage from a variety of causes: slipping and falling, car accidents, and contact sports are often the biggest reasons, but with children, you never know what might end up leading to an accident. No matter what has caused the incident, the first objective is to preserve the natural teeth—but this isn’t always possible. If teeth become damaged beyond repair, they could end up needing removal. When this happens with baby teeth, it’s typically okay—however, permanent teeth need to be replaced following extraction.
3. Periodontal Disease Has Advanced
Periodontal disease, which occurs when mild gum disease is allowed to progress, can spell bad news for one’s smile. Though it’s common in adults, it can still indiscriminately affect children—and when it does, it even has the potential to cause total tooth loss, as well as other serious problems that can impact your child’s wellness. In some cases, teeth might need to be extracted if gum disease poses a serious threat to the tooth in question, as well as other teeth.
The bottom line is that there are numerous situations that might call for one of your child’s teeth to be extracted, but regardless, it’s always going to be in their best interest if it’s being suggested. Their dentist knows that removing the tooth in question will set their smile up for a bright and healthy future!
About the Practice
The team at Woodland Pediatric Dentistry has proudly served families in the Marietta, GA community for several years under the leadership of Dr. Sheh Vahid, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, including tooth extractions when the need arises. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for your child, feel free to contact the practice through their website or by phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (678) 498-2878.