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Child Tooth Extraction in Virginia Beach
Getting kids to take care of their teeth can be difficult. Even children who take good care of their teeth might find themselves with bad cavities or physical trauma that requires getting a tooth pulled. That said, the idea of getting a tooth removed is just as scary for kids as it is for adults. Thankfully, getting a tooth extracted isn't as scary as most people think. Let's take a minute to learn about extraction and why it's necessary for children sometimes.
Is a Baby Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Getting a baby tooth pulled is a common practice. In fact, there are many situations in which having a baby tooth taken out is your best option. For instance, a baby tooth may fail to fall out when it's supposed to so that the adult tooth has room to emerge. When this happens, the dentist has to remove the baby tooth to ensure that the adult tooth comes in properly.
Also, a badly decaying baby tooth requires extraction to avoid further infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, putting your child's health at risk.
Overcrowded Teeth Might Require Extraction
Did you know that it's common for children's teeth to become overcrowded? It happens a lot. Sometimes, kids are born with extra teeth, and other times, their jaws simply aren't big enough to fit all of their teeth. As adult teeth come in, they can start pushing baby teeth together too.
When this happens, getting some of the baby teeth removed can free up space in kids' mouths. As a result, it's easier for the adult teeth to come in. Plus, it becomes easier for kids to clean their teeth as they should be cleaned.
Are There Times When a Child Tooth Extraction Is the Best Option?
While it's true that most dentists try to save children's natural teeth, there are some situations in which an extraction is the best or only option. For example, if a tooth has heavy decay or the child is experiencing heavy gum disease, removing the affected tooth is often the best course of action. That said, your child's dentist will let you know what the best course of action is.
Understanding Surgical and Simple Extractions
When it comes to getting a tooth pulled for a kid, there are two main types of extractions. The first and most common is a simple extraction. As the name suggests, this is an easy tooth extraction that doesn't take much time to heal. The other type is a surgical extraction, which requires the dentist to make cuts into the gums.
While surgical extractions take longer to heal and aren't as common as simple extractions, children still need them from time to time. The most common reason for children to need surgical extractions is because a tooth didn't break the gums correctly. This can happen when they start losing their baby teeth and their adult teeth are trying to come in.
Does Getting a Tooth Removed Take a Long Time to Heal for a Child?
Actually, studies show that children recover from having teeth removed quicker than adults. The reason is simply because kids' bodies tend to heal faster.
That being said, tooth extraction healing doesn't typically take that long for children or adults. Most of the time, kids can recover from simple extractions within a week. After 24 hours, they can typically go back to engaging in moderate activities.
A surgical tooth extraction does take a bit longer to heal because the dentist has to cut into the gums. However, it still only takes a few weeks to completely heal up.
Extractions: What Do They Cost?
One of the main concerns that parents have when it comes to tooth removal is the cost. The good news is that the pediatric tooth extraction cost isn't as much as most parents think it will be. In fact, having a troubled tooth removed typically ends up saving them money in the long run since it prevents other dental issues from developing.
That said, it's hard to pin down the actual cost of an extraction. That's because it varies depending on the needs of each child. For instance, if your child is getting a simple extraction, the cost will be much cheaper than if a surgical extraction is needed.
Finding Child Tooth Extraction in Virginia Beach
Are you in need of dental care for your child? Do you think that your kid needs child tooth extraction services? If so, reach out to us today. Our expert team is here to help, and we strive to provide affordable services. Give us a call to set up an appointment for an extraction consultation.
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397 Little Neck Road, Building 3400, Suite 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Call our office at (757) 381-6079.