The years when children have milk teeth are a time full of experimentation and fun in your little one’s life. However, milk teeth, while not considered as important as permanent teeth, may still need to be extracted in certain situations.
Many parents wonder if they can save their child from tooth extraction pain; after all, these teeth will fall out themselves later on. Do milk teeth really need to be pulled? The answer is yes; milk teeth may need to be extracted for your child’s oral health. However, there is no need to worry, as anesthetic measures make the process relatively painless.
In this blog, let’s learn why baby teeth may need to be extracted in some cases and what happens if they don’t get removed. Moreover, we will discuss the signs that your baby’s teeth may need an extraction.
Is it Necessary to Pull Out Baby Teeth?
Dentists only opt for tooth extraction if there is no alternative to save a baby’s tooth. Ideally, they would want to preserve affected teeth so that it doesn’t hinder the child’s dental alignment. Baby teeth usually need extraction if the tooth is severely damaged or decayed.
However, in some cases of dental crowding, teeth may need to be prematurely extracted to make room for permanent teeth to emerge correctly. Baby teeth usually follow a set pattern in which they fall with incisors coming out first and molars last.
In situations where impacted or over-retained teeth are a concern, dentists may recommend dental extractions to make space for permanent teeth to emerge. Additionally, if a baby’s tooth has sustained damage due to trauma and is not salvageable, it may require extraction.
What Happens if You Don’t Remove Milk Teeth?
If milk teeth that require extraction are not removed, it might result in some avoidable issues. Decay or damaged teeth are vulnerable to infection, which can be very painful for a child. In such cases, removing the tooth may be the only option.
If retained baby teeth block the proper eruption of permanent teeth, it can lead to impacted teeth or orthodontic issues that may require extensive treatment years down the line. Moreover, infected or decayed teeth can lead to gum disease, which can be dangerous for overall health and worsen dental health.
Signs Your Child Needs A Tooth Extraction
The best way to determine if your child needs a dental extraction is by consulting a dental professional. However, there are some signs that you could look out for at home that signal a swift visit to the dentist.
- Persistent Tooth Pain
- Visibly Cracked or Chipped Teeth
- Delayed Loss of Baby teeth
- Crowded Teeth
- Swelling and Redness Around Teeth
- Fever and Pus Discharge From Gums
In A Nutshell
While thinking about your little one getting their teeth extracted may be unpleasant, it can save them from unnecessary pain. Dental issues that may arise later can often be prevented with a tooth extraction. Additionally, there’s no reason to worry about your child’s tooth extraction as recent dental advancements have made the process swift and free from discomfort.
So, if you’re worried about your child’s oral health, consider contacting the experts at Village Park Family Dental of Cypress. Our expert pediatric dentists prioritize your child’s comfort and can make sure they have a smooth experience. We’re just a call away at (281) 376-4444.