Common indications include severe decay that cannot be restored, abscess or infection that does not respond to pulp therapy, ankylosis preventing normal eruption of the permanent tooth, root resorption that has progressed abnormally, and orthodontic space management requirements. The decision is always supported by clinical findings and imaging.

No. Local anesthesia numbs the area completely, and the child will feel pressure but not pain. Nitrous oxide is available for additional relaxation. For children with significant anxiety or those requiring multiple extractions, IV sedation provides a sleep-like state with no awareness or memory of the procedure.

Soft tissue (gum) healing typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. The socket fills with a blood clot that is gradually replaced by granulation tissue and eventually bone. Full bony remodeling takes 6 to 8 weeks. The child should avoid straws, spitting, and vigorous rinsing for 24 hours to protect the clot.

Soft, lukewarm foods are recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours — yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straw). Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods that could irritate the extraction site. Most children return to normal eating within two to three days as the site heals.

Without intervention, adjacent teeth drift into the empty space within weeks. This reduces the available arch length for the permanent tooth, potentially causing it to erupt out of position, become impacted, or crowd neighboring teeth. A space maintainer — a small appliance cemented to adjacent teeth — holds the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.

Yes. ADSC offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild to moderate anxiety and IV sedation for children who need a deeper level of comfort. IV sedation is administered by trained clinicians with continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory function throughout the procedure.

The number depends on the clinical situation and the child's tolerance. Under IV sedation, multiple extractions can be completed in a single appointment, minimizing the number of stressful visits. For children being treated with local anesthesia alone, the clinician may stage extractions across two visits to manage discomfort and fatigue.

When performed correctly with appropriate imaging, extraction of a primary tooth does not damage the developing permanent tooth bud. CBCT imaging maps the exact position of the permanent tooth relative to the primary root, allowing the clinician to choose extraction techniques that avoid contact with the successor. Infection left untreated in a primary tooth, however, can damage the permanent tooth bud — making timely extraction protective.

This is called "shark teeth" and is relatively common, particularly with lower incisors. If the baby tooth is loose and wiggling, it may exfoliate on its own within a few weeks, and the permanent tooth will drift forward into position. If the baby tooth is firm and shows no signs of mobility, extraction is recommended to prevent the permanent tooth from settling into an ectopic position.

Swelling of the gum tissue adjacent to a tooth, a visible pimple-like bump on the gum (parulis or fistula), persistent or spontaneous toothache, darkening or discoloration of a tooth, and facial swelling are all signs of dental infection. Any of these warrant prompt evaluation, as untreated infection can spread to surrounding bone and soft tissues.

Have the child bite gently on gauze for 20 to 30 minutes to control initial bleeding. Apply an ice pack to the outside of the cheek in 15-minute intervals for the first few hours. Give pain medication as prescribed before the anesthesia wears off. Keep the child on soft foods and avoid straws, spitting, and vigorous rinsing for 24 hours. If bleeding persists or swelling increases after 48 hours, contact the office.

Yes, when clinically indicated. Severe early childhood caries can destroy primary teeth in children as young as 18 months. In these cases, extraction prevents pain, infection, and damage to developing permanent teeth. For very young children, IV sedation or general anesthesia allows the clinician to complete all necessary treatment safely in a single appointment while the child sleeps comfortably.

Cost varies based on the complexity of the extraction (simple erupted tooth vs. surgically impacted tooth) and the sedation method used. Most dental insurance plans cover extractions as a basic service at 80 percent. The front desk provides a detailed cost estimate based on your insurance benefits before treatment.

For simple extractions under local anesthesia, many children return to school the same afternoon if they feel well. After IV sedation, the child should rest at home for the remainder of the day. Most children are back to normal activities, including school, the day after extraction. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 48 hours.

A simple extraction removes a tooth that is visible above the gum line and can be loosened with standard elevators and forceps. A surgical extraction involves a tooth that is partially or fully beneath the gum tissue, fractured at the gum line, or fused to bone (ankylosed), requiring gum tissue reflection and possibly bone removal. Surgical extractions take longer and may require additional post-operative care.