222 3rd Ave Chula Vista, CA 91910-2711 619-427-1315

Extractions

Young boy sitting in dental chair and smiling

At Chula Vista Smiles, we always try to save a tooth from extraction. Unfortunately, there are certain instances where an extraction may be necessary. As a pediatric office, we are uniquely qualified to perform important procedures like extractions. You can rest assured knowing we utilize advanced techniques to ensure your child receives safe, effective, and comfortable care. If your child needs an extraction, you have come to the right place.

Why Do Children Need Tooth Extractions?

We may recommend a tooth extraction for several reasons. The most common cause is severe tooth decay. Other reasons include:

•	Injury or Trauma: A blow to the face can chip, fracture, or break a tooth beyond repair.
•	Orthodontic Treatment: Some children have crowding issues or extra teeth that affect the alignment of their bite. Extracting a tooth creates space to move the teeth to their proper positions.
•	Over-Retained Primary Tooth: Some children have primary, or baby teeth, that do not fall out fast enough to accommodate their permanent teeth. An extraction can prevent eruption issues and ensure the permanent teeth emerge in the proper alignment.
•	Impacted Tooth: An impacted tooth occurs when a tooth fails to erupt. A tooth stuck below the gumline can result in significant pain or abscesses.
•	Wisdom Teeth: Also known as third molars, these teeth erupt much later than the rest. In many cases, there simply isn’t enough room to accommodate an extra set of molars. This can cause crowding issues or a malocclusion.

Extraction Procedure

There are two major types of extractions:

•	Simple Extraction: This type of extraction is performed on teeth that have already erupted above the gumline.
•	Surgical Extraction: This type of extraction is performed on a tooth that has broken off at the gumline or has yet to erupt.

During a simple extraction, Dr. Ilse Savelli will use an instrument known as an “elevator” to loosen the tooth from its socket and connective ligaments. Once the tooth is loose enough, we will use a pair of forceps to remove it from the mouth.

During a surgical extraction, one or more incisions must be made in the gum tissue to expose the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, it may need to be broken up into several pieces. This makes it easy to remove from the socket. Once it is out, we will suture any incisions.

After Your Child’s Extraction

Thanks to advancements in technology and technique, an extraction causes less pain or discomfort than ever before. A small amount of bleeding, swelling, bruising, and discomfort is normal following the procedure. If your child complains of pain, you may want to give them an over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol or ibuprofen.

While post-operative complications are rare, they do occur. For instance, if a blood clot fails to form or becomes dislodged, your child may experience dry socket. Dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the supportive bone is exposed to air, foods, and beverages. To prevent dry socket, make sure your child practices proper oral hygiene, eats soft foods, and avoids straws during the healing process.

Schedule Your Child’s Appointment

If your child has a problematic tooth, extraction may be necessary. Call 619-427-1315 to schedule your child’s appointment today!

Get in Touch