what is a pediatric tooth extraction?
Even though board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim focus on saving and maintaining children’s teeth, there are times when removal is the best option. Pediatric dental extractions are simple procedures designed to remove a tooth visible above the gums, often recommended when a tooth is severely decayed or damaged beyond repair. In certain cases, extracting a tooth is the safest way to protect surrounding teeth and ensure long-term oral health. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, our caring team provides extractions with comfort and compassion. To help children stay calm, our Lawrenceville, GA practice offers sedation options such as nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Dental Extractions?
While many children may feel anxious about a tooth removal, scheduling pediatric dental extractions promptly can protect long-term oral health. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, extractions with Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim can:
Prevent damage or infection from spreading to healthy adjoining teeth
Be performed with a topical anesthetic to keep your child comfortable
Provide a relatively quick treatment completed right in our office
Reduce the risk of gum or tooth infections developing later
Are Children’s Tooth Extractions Safe?
Yes. Pediatric dental extractions are safe when performed by experienced professionals like Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim. If your child requires the removal of a baby tooth, they may recommend a space maintainer to preserve the area until the permanent tooth erupts. A space maintainer is a custom-made appliance that holds nearby teeth in place, preventing shifting and crowding. This helps support healthy oral development and reduces the risk of future orthodontic problems.
When Do Children Need a Tooth Pulled?
Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim always try to save a tooth with a filling or crown before considering extraction. However, removal may be the best option if the tooth is too damaged by decay or injury. Extractions may also be recommended if baby teeth fail to fall out naturally and block permanent teeth, or if an orthodontist advises removal to create proper spacing for alignment.
How Is a Pediatric Dental Extraction Performed?
Extractions are completed in-office using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. To ensure comfort, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can also be administered, and additional sedation options are available when needed. The doctors take every precaution to make the procedure gentle and stress-free. If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed after treatment. Emergency extractions are also available for urgent cases.
How Long Is Recovery From a Pediatric Tooth Extraction?
Recovery time depends on the complexity of the procedure and the type of sedation used. Children may feel drowsy for a few hours 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 detailed aftercare instructions, which may include over-the-counter pain relief and cold compresses to manage swelling. Follow-up visits are encouraged to ensure proper healing.
Does Insurance Cover Pediatric Dental Extractions?
Most dental insurance plans cover extractions that are medically necessary, such as those due to severe decay, infection, or trauma. Sedation may not always be fully covered, but our team will verify benefits with your provider before treatment and give you an estimate of out-of-pocket costs.
Safe, Compassionate Care in Lawrenceville, GA
Whether your child has a damaged tooth, overcrowding, or another dental concern, pediatric dental extractions at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry can restore comfort and protect oral health. Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim are committed to providing gentle, compassionate care tailored to your child’s needs. If your child feels anxious, sedation options are available to make the process easier. Schedule a consultation today at our Lawrenceville, GA pediatric dental office to learn more.
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.