A child missing a tooth

Baby Tooth Extrations Near Hurst, TX

Pediatric Tooth Extractions in Hurst, TX

 

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is a procedure in which a tooth is surgically removed. The procedure is generally very quick. In fact, usually, the majority of a child’s tooth extraction appointment consists of walking the patient (and parent) through the procedure, numbing the area around the tooth, and making sure the child is comfortable. The extraction itself typically only takes about a minute.

Most primary tooth extractions can be performed with local anesthesia alone, or with a combination of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”).

When Should a Child Have Teeth Removed?

Common reasons for tooth extractions in children include infection, crowding issues, and failure of baby teeth to fall out on their own.

Infection

Beneath the hard outer layer of a tooth lies a soft, gelatinous substance called “dental pulp.” Deep cavities and dental trauma can damage a child’s dental pulp and lead to infection, resulting in tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, redness and/or swelling. If the infection is not treated, it can spread beyond the tooth, potentially resulting in life-threatening conditions.

In some circumstances, infected dental pulp in a primary tooth can be treated using pediatric pulp therapy, and the tooth can be saved. Often, however, a severely infected primary tooth requires extraction.

Crowding Issues

When primary (“baby”) teeth are crowded together, they can sometimes prevent permanent teeth from coming in correctly. For example, sometimes two baby teeth are crowded into the space that a single permanent tooth will need once it comes in. If a child naturally loses one of those baby teeth, but the replacement permanent tooth cannot erupt properly because the other baby tooth is in the way, that second baby tooth may need to be extracted.

Permanent teeth can also present crowding issues and require removal. Sometimes a child’s jaw simply is not large enough to accommodate all of his or her permanent teeth. When this happens, one or more permanent teeth may be removed for orthodontic purposes.

Failure of Baby Teeth to Fall Out

Sometimes, a child’s permanent tooth will grow in behind the primary tooth it is replacing, rather than pushing up from under the primary tooth. Occasionally, this will prevent the primary tooth from becoming loose and falling out on its own.

Preparing Your Child for Baby Tooth Removal

Although the procedure is generally very quick and simple, many children feel nervous or anxious about having a tooth removed. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Lin has been specially trained to help children understand the tooth extraction procedure and to put their fears to rest.

Before removing teeth, Dr. Lin will explain the procedure to your child using age-appropriate language and answer any questions you or your child might have. Many pediatric patients fear the needle used to apply the numbing agent more than they fear the tooth extraction itself. Dr. Lin is experienced at calming children’s fears about the application of local anesthesia and applying the numbing agent quickly and painlessly.

As a parent, you can help your child’s tooth extraction appointment go smoothly by preparing your child in advance. Before the appointment, sit down with your child to explain what will happen at the dentist. Children take cues from their parents, so explaining the procedure to your child in a calm, positive way can have a considerable impact on how your child will respond to the treatment.

Get in Touch to Schedule an Appointment for Pediatric Extractions

Hurst Pediatric Dentistry offers dental care to pediatric patients in Hurst, Texas, and nearby areas, including Colleyville, Euless, Bedford, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Keller and Southlake.

We take a compassionate, caring approach to dental care, and we take great pride in helping our patients feel comfortable and at home in our office. We offer emergency dental care as well as restorative and preventive dental services.

Get in touch today to book an appointment by calling the office at (817) 510-6400.

Aaron AstonAaron Aston
22:02 09 May 24
Love this dentist for kids! They are very calm and patient with little ones, and take the time to discuss with parents any concerns or suggestions.
Friendly staff. Dr Lin is awesome and great with my kiddo! Highly recommend !
Lindsey ManleyLindsey Manley
01:16 07 May 24
Dr.Lin and his staff are so quick and effective with my toddlers dentist appointment. Makes everyone feel comfortable, and never scary. The office is very kid friendly and I am glad we found them!!
TylerGabbieKylohTylerGabbieKyloh
19:37 06 May 24
Excellent team! Our kids were always taken care of! Dr. Jin is the best!
Emily ProctorEmily Proctor
15:56 06 May 24
The best dentist we have ever been to! My son is actually excited to come here. Highly recommend to anyone with nervous children. Doc goes above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable!
Jordan BettingerJordan Bettinger
18:20 30 Apr 24
Dr. Lin is a godsend. He's incredible with kids and so good at calming them as they face "the chair". So kind, so patient...he even sings to them! The hygienists and office staff are very friendly and fantastic with children as well. Can't imagine a more ideal place for young ones to get their teeth (and their hearts!) cared for.
Laura WoodsideLaura Woodside
14:36 30 Apr 24
Today was our 4th visit to Hurst Pediatric Dentistry and my almost 5 year old daughter left saying “Mom I had so much fun at the dentist!!” I am continually blown away by the care, kindness and expertise from Dr. Lin and the whole office staff. Truly a unique pediatric dentist office and I could not recommend them more!!!!!
Lobat JamshidnejadLobat Jamshidnejad
15:07 28 Feb 24
I recently had the pleasure of taking my 3 years old baby to Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and professionalism we received. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming. Once inside, Dr. Lin and his assistant, Ashley, were fantastic with my baby. They were patient, gentle, and made sure my child felt comfortable throughout the entire appointment. I highly recommend Hurst Pediatric Dentistry to any parent looking for a dentist who truly cares about their little patients.
Alexandria TaylorAlexandria Taylor
01:43 06 Feb 24
I don’t have enough adjectives to describe how amazing this place is! As an adult who has past dental trauma, I prayed for a better experience for my daughter and I found it here. Dr. Lin was patient and easy-going with my daughter who can be quite stubborn. He made both of us so at ease and was so thorough. The entire experience from walking in to walking out was amazing. Kudos to the entire team and doctor. Can’t wait for her next appointment!
Krystal EaglesonKrystal Eagleson
16:28 29 Jan 24
Dr. Lin and staff are the best!My daughter had to have 4 baby teeth removed. They went above and beyond making her feel comfortable. My daughter couldn't even feel them being extracted. Everyone is so patient and nice! The best pediatric dentist ever! They have cool prizes for the end of the visit and movies to help kids stay occupied during the cleaning.We've been coming here for over 2 years. They always get us seated right away and are fast and efficient. Definitely recommend!
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