what is a pediatric tooth extraction?
Even though pediatric dentists Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim use their board-certified expertise to save and maintain children’s teeth, there are times when a tooth may need to be removed. A pediatric tooth extraction is usually a simple procedure that removes a tooth visible above the gums. This is most often done for teeth that are severely decayed or damaged beyond repair. In some cases, removing a tooth is the safest way to protect surrounding teeth. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, our caring team provides extractions with compassion and comfort in mind. Our Lawrenceville, GA practice offers sedation options such as nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help children stay relaxed throughout treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Dental Extractions?
While many children may feel nervous about having a tooth removed, scheduling extractions promptly can provide important oral health benefits. Extractions at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry with Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim can:
Averts damage and infection of healthy adjoining teeth
Performed with a topical anesthetic to numb the tooth and keep your child as comfortable as possible
Relatively fast treatment that takes place in our office
May help avoid teeth or gum infection
Are children’s tooth extractions safe?
Yes. If your child requires the removal of a baby tooth, Dr. Jeni Kong or Dr. Milee Kim may recommend a space maintainer to preserve the area until the permanent tooth erupts. A space maintainer is a custom-made appliance designed to hold surrounding teeth in place, preventing crowding or shifting. This ensures healthy oral development and reduces the risk of orthodontic complications later. Both doctors carefully evaluate whether a space maintainer is necessary and explain the best options to support your child’s oral health.
When do children need a tooth pulled?
If a tooth is damaged by decay, Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim will always attempt to restore it with a filling or crown first. However, if the tooth cannot be saved, removal may be the best option. Extractions may also be needed if baby teeth do not fall out naturally and begin to block permanent teeth, or when an orthodontist recommends removal to create proper spacing.
How is a pediatric dental extraction performed?
Extractions are performed in-office using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. To ensure comfort, nitrous oxide may also be administered. If needed, additional sedation techniques are available. The doctors take every precaution to make the procedure as gentle as possible. In cases where infection is present, Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim may prescribe antibiotics following the procedure. Emergency extractions are also available when urgent care is needed.
How long is recovery from a pediatric tooth extraction?
Recovery depends on the complexity of the extraction and whether sedation was used. Children may feel sleepy for a few hours afterward and should avoid spitting or using straws while the gums heal. Soft foods are recommended for the first couple of days. Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim will provide aftercare instructions, which may include over-the-counter pain relief and cold compresses to ease swelling. Follow-up appointments and regular dental visits are important for monitoring healing and maintaining oral health.
Does insurance cover pediatric dental extractions?
Most insurance plans cover extractions that are medically necessary, such as those due to decay, infection, or trauma. Sedation options may not be fully covered, but our team will confirm benefits with your provider before treatment and provide an estimate of out-of-pocket costs.
Safe, compassionate care
Whether your child has a damaged tooth, overcrowding, or other dental concerns, extractions at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry can improve both oral health and comfort. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeni Kong or Dr. Milee Kim at our Lawrenceville, GA pediatric dental office to learn more. If your child feels anxious, we also offer sedation to make the process easier and stress-free. Our goal is to provide safe, compassionate care tailored to every child.
Pediatric dental extractions FAQs
If your child has dental anxiety, there are ways to help them feel more comfortable. One way is to find a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Kong has years of experience working with children and will provide the necessary care in a way that is comfortable for them. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation options also exist to help your child feel at ease.
Our dental team in Lawrenceville, CA is dedicated to ensuring each child feels comfortable and safe in our office. We also understand that some procedures, such as tooth extractions, can be daunting for parents and children. That is why we take the time to review each step of the process and answer any questions you may have.
If your child is scheduled for tooth extraction, there are some things parents and guardians can do to prepare. One is to explain what will happen in simple terms they can understand. You can also use a toy or doll when explaining the procedure. These will help them feel better about seeing a dentist when they come in for their appointment.
The total price of pediatric dental extractions can vary from patient to patient due to various factors. Our talented team will listen to your goals and concerns during your initial consultation to design a treatment plan that is completely catered to your needs. Once this plan has been agreed upon, our team can speak with you about the numerous payment methods we accept and review the option of low-interest patient financing.
No. The vast majority of our pediatric patients do not feel any pain or discomfort while receiving dental extractions. This is due, in large part, to our modern equipment and unparalleled experience.
Our team suggests eating soft foods, such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, smoothies, and steamed vegetables, while your mouth heals. Before you leave, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to guide your recovery.