What Happens After a Child’s Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket. Our interest is usually to save a child’s natural teeth, unless they are problematic wisdom teeth or baby teeth that could cause issues with their other teeth.

There are a few reasons our team may suggest a tooth extraction for your child. Whether it’s due to severe decay, crowding, or impaction, a necessary tooth extraction can help preserve your child’s smile and oral health. Knowing what to expect after your child’s tooth extraction can help them have a speedy recovery.

After a Child’s Tooth Extraction

Recovery after a tooth extraction is an important process to help your child enjoy their oral function again. Any mild bleeding should subside within a few hours. Keep clean gauze on the area. For the next several days, the area of extraction will be sensitive. A beneficial blood clot will begin to form in the space where the tooth was. This blood clot aids in the healing process. Let us know as soon as possible if your child experiences increasing pain or profuse bleeding, as this could indicate complications with their recovery.

Tips for Tooth Extraction Recovery

• Avoid using a straw – Do not allow your child to drink from a straw for the first week after their extraction. This can cause the blood clot to dislodge, leading to prolonged healing and more pain.
• Stick to soft foods – Serve your child soft foods that are easy to chew, like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, eggs, bananas, applesauce, and yogurt.
• Rinse gently with water and salt – After 24 hours, warm saltwater rinses can help gently clean the mouth and ease pain.
• Use ice packs for swelling – Ice packs can be applied to the cheek of the affected area for 20 minutes, followed by a 20 minute rest, to reduce swelling.

Restorative Dentistry for Pediatric Patients

At Safari Children’s Dentistry and Braces, our team offers gentle tooth extractions and more in San Antonio, TX. Please contact us to learn more about our pediatric dental services or to schedule an appointment at our office for your child.

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Baby tooth extraction image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0