Extractions

At the office of The Kids' Dentist Tucson, our top priorities are your child's care and well-being. While we do everything we can to preserve the integrity of your child's smile, it's sometimes necessary to extract a tooth to protect their oral health and support overall well-being.

Some of the most common reasons we may recommend a tooth extraction include:

An over-retained baby or deciduous tooth

In most cases, a baby tooth will fall out on schedule as the underlying permanent one begins to erupt. However, occasionally a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone. Either the baby tooth’s roots have failed to resorb as intended, or the tooth has become ankylosed (fused to the bone). Over-retained baby teeth can disrupt the natural development and alignment of your child’s smile. As we monitor your child’s growth, we’ll advise you if and when a primary tooth extraction is needed to help the permanent tooth come in properly.

Extensive Tooth Decay

Although it may start as a small spot on the enamel, untreated tooth decay can spread deeper into the tooth and cause serious damage. If a tooth becomes too compromised to restore, an extraction may be necessary to prevent infection and protect your child’s overall oral health.

Dental Trauma

Chips, cracks, and fractures from injuries can vary in severity. If there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a restoration, extraction may be the best option for long-term health and comfort.

Overcrowded Teeth

Sometimes, the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate all of the permanent teeth. In these cases, extractions may be part of an orthodontic treatment plan to create the space needed for a straight, functional smile.

Does it hurt to have a tooth extracted?

Every child is different, but we take great care to ensure a comfortable experience. The area around the tooth will be completely numbed with local anesthesia, so your child may feel pressure—but not pain—during the procedure. For children who are anxious or need more extensive treatment, we also offer sedation options for added comfort.

What will my child feel when the anesthetic wears off?

It’s normal to experience some tenderness once the anesthesia wears off. The level of discomfort depends on how complex the extraction was and how your child’s body responds. In most cases, any soreness will fade within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage discomfort, and we’ll provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.