Our Treatments
Having a tooth extracted may not seem like much fun, but it is sometimes necessary to protect your child against infection. The good news is that tooth extraction isn’t as scary as it sounds, and in most cases, it’s a simple procedure. Our pediatric dentists and compassionate team will ensure your child is comfortable and relaxed before, during, and after treatment.
Why Do Children Need Teeth Extracted/Pulled?
Dr. Nadia Bala or Dr. Greg Allen may recommend an extraction (tooth removal) for several reasons, including the following:
- If a tooth is severely damaged due to decay or trauma and cannot be repaired with a dental filling, crown, or nerve treatment, we may have no option but to remove it.
- A tooth that's badly infected can put your child's health at risk and may need to be removed.
- If your child has an extra tooth or if a baby tooth interferes with the growth of an incoming permanent tooth, they may need to have one or more teeth extracted.
- If your child requires an orthodontic treatment plan, we may need to remove one or more teeth to make room for the remaining teeth to move into alignment.
What Can You Expect During the Treatment?
Our kid-friendly team understands that having a tooth extracted can cause anxiety to kids and their parents. You can rest assured that our team will do everything possible to ensure your child's procedure is as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Before extracting a tooth, Dr. Nadia Bala or Dr. Greg Allen will numb the area for your child’s comfort. We are also happy to offer pediatric sedation dentistry options to help your child feel calm and relaxed during treatment. Most tooth extractions are quick and relatively simple procedures. After the area is numb, Dr. Nadia Bala or Dr. Greg Allen will gently loosen the affected tooth and remove it from its socket. Children typically resume their normal activities the day after the procedure.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
When extracting a baby tooth, we consider your child's future oral health. Leaving a gap in your child's smile can be a serious matter. It can result in the neighboring teeth shifting and drifting out of place, leading to crooked teeth and interfering with the adult teeth when it's time for them to come in. That usually translates to alignment problems requiring orthodontic treatment down the road.
Depending on the location of the tooth, we may recommend a space maintainer. As the name implies, the oral appliance helps maintain the space left by lost or extracted teeth, preventing the neighboring teeth from shifting toward the gap. Space maintainers help the permanent teeth come in straight and in alignment, reducing or even eliminating the need for orthodontic treatment when your child is older.
Tooth Extractions Near Me in San Marcos, California
If your child has a damaged tooth or one that's interfering with the adult tooth coming in, contact Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos to schedule an appointment. If your child needs a tooth extracted, you’re in good hands. Dr. Nadia Bala and Dr. Greg Allen are committed to providing leading-edge dental care with a gentle touch, and they will ensure your child is comfortable and relaxed throughout any procedure.
Looking for exceptional care from the best pediatric dentists in San Marcos? We invite you to call 760-798-2825 to schedule your child's appointment or complete our online appointment request form today!
We're Ready For Your Ducklings!
We are excited to care for little ones and be part of their journey to bright and healthy smiles. Follow the link to request an appointment that best fits your busy schedule. We can’t wait to meet you!
