Gentle Care For Troublesome Teeth

Tooth Extractions

If your child has a baby tooth or adult tooth that’s too damaged to be saved, Dr. Nadgie and the team at SmileKids! Pediatric Dentistry can help. We provide child-friendly care with the latest tools and technology, and offer
sedation to ensure your child gets the care they need in comfort. Learn more below, or contact us now to get a consultation for your little one.

Understanding The Basics

Does My Child Need A Tooth Extraction?

For children, tooth extractions are usually only required if a tooth is severely infected and can’t be saved with endodontic treatment, such as a root canal. Dental trauma from a slip and fall, playing contact sports, or hobbies like skateboarding
could also result in severe damage that can’t be repaired, requiring the extraction of a tooth.

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However, extraction is always a last resort. If you think your child’s tooth may be damaged and require extraction, please contact SmileKids! Pediatric Dentistry right away to get a consultation with Dr. Nadgie, and see if
extraction is necessary for your little one.

What Is Safe To Eat

After An Extraction?

For at least 2 days after extraction, your child should consume only soft foods like applesauce and yogurt, as well as liquids. You may want to avoid extremely hot or cold foods, since these can cause some discomfort and sensitivity.

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By day 3, you may be able to introduce soft foods that require a little bit of chewing, such as macaroni and cheese and scrambled eggs. Encourage your child to chew on the opposite side of the extraction site, if possible.

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Most patients are able to resume a normal diet about a week after surgery. Your child should continue to avoid spicy and acidic foods as well as tough and crunchy foods until this time. Dr. Nadgie will provide you with a full set of instructions
to follow as your child heals and recovers.

Does My Child Need An Implant

To Replace Their Tooth?

This depends on the age of the child, and which tooth they’ve lost. If your child has lost a permanent adult tooth, you will need to restore their smile and replace the missing tooth. Dental implants are usually the best choice, as they last a
very long time, look and feel completely natural, and require no special care beyond regular brushing and flossing.

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With an implant, your child won’t need to worry about any of the complications or special care involved in maintaining a dental bridge or a partial denture. We highly recommend dental implants to replace missing adult teeth in kids, and you
should begin the process as soon as you can to maintain the health of their jaw.

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If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, however, there is no need for a dental implant, since an adult tooth will be growing into the area where they lost their baby tooth. However, this does not mean that they won’t need to get any
additional care.

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Your child may need a “space maintainer” if they lose a baby tooth prematurely. This prosthetic is designed to maintain the proper gap between your child’s teeth until their permanent tooth erupts. Without a space maintainer, the teeth around
your child’s missing tooth may begin to shift toward it, interfering with the proper eruption of their permanent tooth.