Tooth Extractions (Wiggles)

Extractions

An extraction is the removal of a tooth. There are a few reasons in pediatric dentistry a tooth would need to be “wiggled”. Sometimes, the adult tooth is having trouble making it’s debut due to a primary tooth. Other times, the tooth may be abscessed and have a severe infection. In these cases the only option is to remove the source of infection, the tooth. In order to prevent an extraction due to decay and infection, be sure to exercise proper oral hygiene.

What to expect when your child has a Extraction.

Local anesthesia will be used to complete your child's treatment. The lips and tongue may be affected, which may be a new and sometimes alarming sensation. Gentle reassurance may be necessary to convince your child that the feeling it temporary and the teeth will "wake back up" in approximately 1 - 2 hours.

It is important to permit a strong clot to form at the site of the extraction and bleeding is a normal part of this healing process.Your child should maintain a piece of gauze over the extraction site until it becomes saturated. Only at that time should the gauze be removed and a new one placed if there is continued bleeding.

If spitting is necessary, it should not be done forcefully. Citrus foods and spices, which may irritate the area, should be avoided. Soft foods are recommended for the remainder of the day. Gentle warm salt water rinses can be implemented three times daily to help keep the extraction site clean.

DO NOT consume carbonated beverages.
DO NOT use a straw.
DO NOT eat hard or crunchy foods.

If your child experiences minimal discomfort following the procedure, Motrin/Ibuprofen is the pain reliever of choice for dental discomfort and can be taken every 8 hours. If relief is needed more frequently, Tylenol may be alternated every 4 hours. If your child is a patient with our office, please contact us if any issues or questions arise. Always confirm your child's weight to ensure the proper dose is administered.

Preparing for your child's visit.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "shot", "pull", "drill" or "hurt". The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child. 

Instead of saying this = Please use thisNeedle = Bubble
Anesthetic = Sleepy Juice 
Numb = Asleep
Extraction = Wiggle
Bite Block = Tooth Pillow
Nitrous, Gas = Special Air, Loopy Gas, Happy Gas
Nitrous/Gas = Mask Clown Nose, Special Nose 
Drug, Medicine = Silly Pill, Special Juice
Drill, Cut = Mr. Whistle, Super-Fast Toothbrush
Instrument = Pick Tooth Counter
Scraper = Tooth Cleaner