Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although we will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted.

A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection or abscess
• Orthodontic correction
• Malpositioned teeth
• Fractured teeth or roots
• Impacted teeth

After careful examination and treatment, Dr. Essack may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, we will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. We are able to perform tooth extractions under general anaesthetic in theatre, please let us know if you would prefer this option for your child.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If your child has prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

Care immediately following surgery:

• Keep pressure on the gauze pad that Dr. Essack placed over the surgical area by having your child gently bite down. Dampen the gauze sponge with water if it begins to dry out. Try to maintain constant pressure in intervals of 45-60 minutes, repeating as often as needed, or until bleeding lessens. Change the gauze as needed.
• Keep your child’s head elevated and have them sit down and watch a movie or do something relaxing. Avoid sports and running around until the blood has had a chance to clot and form a scab over the wound.
• Keep your child’s mouth clean by brushing areas around the surgical site. Try to keep your child from touching or picking at the extraction site.
• Use ice packs to control swelling by placing them on facial areas near extraction.
• Take all prescribed medications accordingly. If any itching or swelling occurs, contact the practice immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Try to eat softer foods, preferably high in protein.
• Keep your child hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

After your child’s tooth has been extracted, the healing process begins. Baby teeth extractions in healthy kids can heal within a day or two. Permanent tooth extractions can take a few days to heal. If you child is medically compromised or has problems with wound healing, the process can be longer. Dr. Essack and the Smile-Hub Dentistry team will work with you so that you understand the step-by-step process for caring for your child after dental extractions.