Tooth Extraction in Children

Table of Contents

Tooth extraction in children is usually performed during the process of permanent teeth replacing deciduous teeth or in cases such as tooth decay and trauma. Pediatric patients are a delicate and special group of patients. Therefore, various methods should be used to ensure that children are comfortable during extraction.

Why Is Tooth Extraction Performed in Children?

Loss of deciduous teeth: Deciduous teeth naturally fall out to make room for the eruption of permanent teeth. However, in some cases, it may need to be extracted by the dentist.
Tooth decay: Deep caries can reach the nerves of the tooth and cause infection. In this case, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Trauma: Fracture or displacement of the teeth may occur as a result of impact or accident. In such cases, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Tooth crowding: If the teeth do not have enough space to fit in the mouth, some teeth may need to be extracted.

How Is Tooth Extraction Performed in Children?

Examination and evaluation: The dentist thoroughly examines the child’s mouth and takes X-rays to assess the condition of the tooth.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to prevent the child from feeling pain during extraction.
Loosening of the tooth: The dentist gently separates the tooth from the jawbone using special instruments.
Tooth extraction: The tooth is extracted from the jawbone along with its roots.
Bleeding control: Bleeding is controlled after extraction and gauze is placed on the area.

What Can Happen After Tooth Extraction in Children?

Pain: Mild pain may be felt after extraction. This pain can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Swelling: Mild swelling may occur in the extraction area. This swelling can be reduced with cold compresses.
Nutrition: Liquid and soft foods should be consumed on the day of extraction.
Oral care: Oral care should be taken after extraction.

What Is Tooth Eruption Guidance in Children?

Tooth eruption guidance is an orthodontic treatment method applied to ensure the correct alignment of children’s teeth, regulate jaw development, and prevent future orthodontic problems. This method aims to prevent future tooth misalignment and jaw disorders by regulating the eruption direction and placement of the teeth. Early diagnosis of problems experienced during the eruption process of the teeth and making the necessary interventions is the first step to having a healthy smile.

Tooth eruption guidance should be done by a specialist orthodontist. With early diagnosis and correct treatment, it is possible for your child to have a healthy and beautiful smile.

Why Is Tooth Eruption Guidance Necessary?

Irregular eruption of teeth: Teeth may erupt in a crowded or misaligned manner without finding enough space in the mouth.
Jaw anomalies: When the growth rates of the upper and lower jaws are different, there is a mismatch between the upper and lower jaws. Since the teeth will not fully close, they will have difficulty eating.
Early loss of deciduous teeth: If deciduous teeth fall out early, it can cause permanent teeth to move and become misaligned. Eruption guidance is needed to maintain the position of permanent teeth.
Finger sucking or pacifier use: These habits can cause teeth to erupt in the wrong position.
Genetic predisposition: If there are people with tooth misalignment or jaw disorders in the family, the probability of orthodontic problems in the future is higher.

When Is Tooth Eruption Guidance Done?

Tooth eruption guidance usually begins after the deciduous teeth are completed or when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. However, early diagnosis is important for more effective treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that children be taken to the dentist regularly.

How Is Tooth Eruption Guidance Performed?

Tooth eruption guidance can be done with different methods depending on the child’s age, the condition of their teeth, and jaw development. These methods include:

Removable appliances: Plates and appliances specially prepared for the child’s mouth and applying light pressure to the teeth.
Fixed appliances: Moving the teeth with brackets and wires attached to the teeth.
Functional appliances: Appliances that direct the growth of the jaw and allow the teeth to come into the correct position.

Benefits of Tooth Eruption Guidance

Regular and healthy smile: Correct alignment of teeth provides better chewing and speaking functions. Increases the child’s self-confidence and positively affects their social relationships.
Better chewing: Regular teeth allow food to be chewed better and help the digestive system to work healthier.
Elimination of speech problems: Irregularities in the teeth can cause speech disorders. Tooth eruption guidance helps to eliminate these problems.
Prevention of future orthodontic treatments: Early diagnosis and treatment prevent the progression of jaw disorders and eliminate the need for more comprehensive orthodontic treatments.
Shortening the duration of future orthodontic treatments: Tooth eruption guidance shortens the duration of more complex orthodontic treatments.

The Role of Parents in Tooth Eruption Guidance

Regular dental check-ups: By taking your child to the dentist regularly, it should be ensured that dental problems are diagnosed early.
Regular use of appliances: It should be ensured that your child wears their appliances regularly and the cleaning of the appliances should be checked.
Healthy eating: Care should be taken to ensure that your child consumes foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are important for their dental health.
Fighting tooth decay: You should be careful about your child’s oral care. Regular brushing and flossing should be ensured.