Child in dentist chair giving a high five to the doctor

Oral Surgery

When Should A Dentist Pull Baby Teeth?

What Is Tooth Extraction? Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which one or more teeth are removed from the oral cavity of the patient. This is mostly done by the attending dentist or the oral surgeon if a surgical tooth extraction is required. Usually, baby teeth are only extracted if they are seriously damaged. In a serious injury, for example, baby teeth may be cracked, loosened, or impacted, and may need to be removed. Schedule For The Falling Out Of Baby Teeth There is a time frame in which the baby teeth fall out and the permanent ones replace them. The time frame that the baby teeth follow is as follows: -Between ages six and eight, the lower and upper central primary incisors are lost. -After central primary incisors, the lower and upper lateral incisors are lost. -Between ages eight and ten, there is a one to two-year pause. -Between ages ten and thirteen, the lower canines and first molars are lost. -Following the first molar loss, the upper canines are lost, then the upper and lower molars.

How To Make The Extraction More Comfortable For Your Child In the case that a parent wants to or needs to get a child’s baby tooth extracted, there are several things that they can or should do to make the process easier and less frightening, which does not induce anxiety in the child. The tips that are to be followed are as follows: -Choose the right dentist: If a person wants to choose a family dentist who specializes in pediatric care, then such a dentist should be chosen who is good with children and knows how to treat them in any kind of situation. It is also necessary that they treat children with kindness and care, ensuring that they are comfortable throughout the process. -Consider sedation: Though it depends on the age of the child, there are many varieties of sedation options that will make the extraction procedure easier and ensure minimal discomfort. This also leads to the cooperation of the child. -Follow all aftercare instructions: After a tooth is pulled, the dentist will give the parent a comprehensive set of aftercare instructions. The child should avoid hard foods and the use of straws for at least 24 hours. Make sure to monitor the child and make sure that they are following instructions properly. When Is It Recommended To Get Baby Teeth Extractions? A child's first set of teeth is supposed to fall out naturally around the age of elementary school, and a tooth won't loosen and fall out naturally until the permanent tooth below pushes through the gums. However, some children have issues that might require a dentist to pull teeth before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. Most pediatric dentists will only recommend tooth extraction as a last resort when other treatment options will not work. The dentist may recommend another option whenever possible if you are too quick to extract a tooth. Too soon extraction can lead to speech, chewing, and development problems for the child. The most common reasons for extraction are listed as follows: -Extreme tooth decay that cannot be fixed with a cavity filling or root canal -Overcrowding that might cause problems in jaw development -A fractured or broken tooth that is too damaged to repair -To prepare for braces What Is The Right Time To Get Baby Teeth Extracted? Taking a proactive approach to your child's dental health is the best way to maintain their health. The baby teeth are designed to fall out according to the same sequence as when they grew in, so parents should look for any signs that this sequence is being interrupted. As a result, a person may develop crowding in their mouths or other frustrating misalignment issues. In order to correct these issues, braces or other orthodontic solutions are typically required. It is better sometimes to get these teeth removed before they cause damage to the rest of your child’s teeth. Saving Space For Adult Teeth Baby teeth are, in some ways, placeholders for adult teeth and help guide the permanent teeth as they come in. To ensure that the new tooth comes in correctly, a dentist may recommend a prosthetic tooth if a baby tooth is removed due to damage or decay before the permanent teeth arrive. But if the permanent tooth is not far off from coming in, a prosthetic tooth will not be needed.

FAQs -Should I Have My Child's Tooth Extracted? According to pediatric dentists, a child's tooth must be extracted if it is so badly decayed that even a root canal won't save the tooth. A tooth should also be extracted if it is crowding other teeth or fractured beyond repair. -How Do I Prepare My Child For Tooth Extraction? There are many things that a person can do so that their child is not afraid of getting their tooth extracted. The dentist should be kind and considerate towards the child and try to ease their discomfort. You should consider sedation, and make the child look forward to something that might be a fun activity or hobby. You should try to be transparent with the child about the procedure and also be ready for aftercare. -How Do You Take Care Of A Child After A Tooth Extraction? Following a tooth extraction, make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids and only eats very soft, healthy foods for the first 24 hours. Do not let them have hot drinks or sip through a straw. The next day, they can start eating solid foods if they can comfortably chew.

Recently Posted

Fresh news from the dental world

Recent Post

What Patients Ask Before Getting Veneers: Stains, Nightguards, and Whitening

Do veneers stain? Do you need a nightguard? Learn the facts about porcelain veneers and whitening. Schedule your consultation at Long Beach Family Dentist now!
Read More
Recent Post

Root Canals Aren't All the Same — Here's What Actually Determines the Outcome

Two root canals can look identical on paper but have very different outcomes. A Long Beach dentist explains what affects success—and when to skip it.
Read More
Recent Post

When Is It Too Late to Treat Periodontitis? What Every Long Beach Patient Needs to Know

Is it too late to treat periodontitis? Discover the risks of untreated gum disease and how to restore your oral health. Book an appointment in Long Beach now!
Read More
Recent Post

Dentures vs. Dental Implants: What Most Comparisons Don't Tell You

Dentures and implants both replace teeth, but differ in taste, bite pressure, and bone health. The right choice depends on your biology and long-term goals.
Read More
Recent Post

Closing the Gap Without Overthinking It

Learn how a dental bridge replaces a missing tooth, how long it lasts, and whether it is the right fit for your smile.
Read More
Recent Post

When Bleeding Gums Are a Sign of Something More Serious

Learn the signs of periodontal disease, treatment options, and when to visit Long Beach Family Dentist for gum care.
Read More
Recent Post

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction

Comparing a root canal and tooth extraction? Learn how dentists choose the right treatment and the pros and cons of each option.
Read More
Recent Post

Why Your Invisalign Trays Aren't Fitting — And What to Do About It

Invisalign trays not fitting right in Long Beach? Learn why gaps happen, what tracking means, and when refinements are needed. Get answers from our dental team.
Read More
Recent Post

Do Veneers Stain? A Long Beach Dentist Explains What's Really Happening

Do veneers stain over time? Learn what causes discoloration, how porcelain compares to composite, and when to see a dentist in Long Beach.
Read More

Preview Our Dental Office In Long Beach, CA

Virtual Office Tour

Request An Appointment Long Beach, CA

Our Locations & Hours

OFFICE HOURS

Mon 8AM - 5PM

Tue 8AM - 5PM

Wed-Thu 8AM - 5PM

Fri 8AM - 5PM

Sat 9AM - 3PM

Sun Closed

Click to Schedule or Call Now

(562) 439-6562REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Top Dentist Long Beach, CA

Patient Stories

Check out what our patients are saying in Long Beach, CA...

Daniel M.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
Answers any questions...
Daniel M.

I been a patient here for over twelve years. Andrea greeted me and got my folder set up. Toni is very friendly and answers any questions you have promptly, when I always come in she greets you with a smile and makes your appointment enjoyable. Today Jovani and Dr. Joan made this experience great. I recommend this dentist for new patients.

Corey B.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
Clean and friendly...
Corey B.

Very clean and friendly crew. I really enjoyed myself.

Christine M.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
A positive experience...
Christine M.

Very clean and organized office! Entire staff was pleasant and friendly, and seems interested in ensuring I had a positive experience. Will definitely return! Affordable rates.

Amy Y.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
My favorite dentist...
Amy Y.

The service here is amazing and they make you feel comfortable. I'm one of those people that hates to go to the dentist and the dentists that I went to in the past were not that great with service. Overall I found my favorite dentist service now at Long Beach Family Dentist.

Daniel M.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
Answers any questions...
Daniel M.

I been a patient here for over twelve years. Andrea greeted me and got my folder set up. Toni is very friendly and answers any questions you have promptly, when I always come in she greets you with a smile and makes your appointment enjoyable. Today Jovani and Dr. Joan made this experience great. I recommend this dentist for new patients.

Corey B.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
Clean and friendly...
Corey B.

Very clean and friendly crew. I really enjoyed myself.

Our Professional Affiliations

Check out our accreditations, sources, and relationships in the wide world of dentistry...

Our Recent Posts

Check us out and follow our Long Beach, CA practice on social media...