Tooth Extractions

Why a Tooth May Need to Be Removed

Sometimes a tooth becomes too damaged or infected to be fixed or heal on its own and needs to be removed.

Some of the situations where extraction is the best choice include:

• Severe tooth decay: Cavities that spread too deep for repair with a filling or crown.
• Infection or abscess: When bacteria reach the nerve and cause pain or swelling, removal prevents the infection from spreading or returning.
• Not enough healthy tooth left: The remaining structure cannot support a crown.
• Orthodontic needs: Overcrowding or impacted teeth that affect growth and alignment.
• Dental trauma: Teeth that are fractured beyond repair.
• Baby teeth that won’t loosen: Primary teeth that stay in place and block permanent teeth from erupting.

Depending on the condition of the tooth, and whether it is a primary or permanent tooth, treatments such as pulpotomy, vital pulp therapy, or root canal treatment may be performed to repair and preserve it instead of removing it.

Extraction vs. Saving the Tooth

Parents often ask if it’s better to pull a damaged baby tooth instead of restoring it. The short answer is almost always no.Baby molars are not lost until ages 10–12, which means they play an important role for many years. Beyond chewing, baby molars hold space for permanent teeth to erupt. 

When a baby tooth is removed early, surrounding teeth can drift into the open space, making it harder for the new tooth to come in correctly. While space maintainers are an option, the natural tooth is the best space holder.

Dr. Kari considers several factors when deciding whether to save or remove a tooth:

• Your child’s age: The younger the child, the more important it is to save the tooth.
• How many teeth are affected: Losing one or two teeth may be manageable, but losing several can create long‑term issues.
• Which tooth is involved: The very last baby molar helps guide the six‑year molar into position, so we try to keep it whenever possible.
• Your child’s level of cooperation: This can affect whether restorative care or extraction is the best choice.

Every case is unique. We will review the options carefully with you so the treatment plan is tailored to your child’s needs.

Keeping Kids Comfortable

Our goal is to help children feel calm and safe at every visit. Using the Tell-Show-Do approach, she explains each step in kid-friendly language before it happens. If extra support is needed, options like laughing gas or sedation can be used. Above all, treatment moves at your child’s pace so they can leave the appointment feeling confident.

What to Expect at an Extraction Appointment

Most extractions take place over two visits. The first visit includes an exam, x-rays, and a conversation with Dr. Kari about the best plan for your child. 

The second visit is the treatment itself. After applying a strong topical gel and gentle local anesthetic, the tooth is carefully removed with steady pressure. Children usually notice some movement but not pain. Parents are welcome to stay nearby for comfort and reassurance. Once the tooth is out, gauze is placed to protect the area. 

Aftercare and Healing

Home care plays an important role in protecting the healing site and keeping your child comfortable. We’ll review these before you leave and send written instructions, too.

Here’s what you can expect to do at home to keep recovery smooth:

• Apply pressure on the site by having your child bite on gauze for 20–30 minutes, replacing as needed until bleeding slows.
• No straws, spitting, or vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours to protect the blood clot.
• Choose soft foods at first—yogurt, applesauce, smoothies (no straw), mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pudding.
• Allow your child to rest today and avoid strenuous activity.
• Brush and floss the other teeth as usual, avoiding the site the first night. Starting the following day, gently rinse with warm salt water if your child can swish and spit.
• Use pain medication as directed by your child’s dentist/physician, if needed.

Most children recover quickly and feel better within 24–48 hours. Call us if pain increases after day two, or if swelling, fever, or ongoing bleeding develops.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the very last molars to erupt, usually appearing in the late teen years or early twenties. Because there is often not enough space in the jaw, they may become impacted, only partially erupt, or crowd nearby teeth. This can lead to pain, infection, gum disease, or damage to neighbouring teeth.

At BabyTooth, our focus is on toddlers and younger children. We do not remove wisdom teeth, but if your child is approaching the age when wisdom teeth develop, we will refer you to a trusted general dentist or oral surgeon who can provide safe, effective care.

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