Tooth Extractions

Most baby teeth fall out on their own as part of natural development, but there are situations where a tooth needs to be removed by a dentist. The most common reasons for tooth extractions in children include severe decay that cannot be saved with a filling, crown, or pulp therapy, dental injuries that leave a tooth too damaged to restore, baby teeth that are staying in place too long and crowding the permanent teeth coming in, and teeth that need to be removed as part of orthodontic preparation. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in St. Louis, Dr. Kelly Jobe always explores every option to save a tooth before recommending an extraction.

There is no minimum age. If a child has teeth, there is always a possibility of decay, damage, or crowding that may require extraction at any point. Infants and toddlers can and do receive extractions when necessary. The procedure is adapted to the child’s age, size, and level of cooperation, and our St. Louis team has experience working with children of all ages to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

No. During the procedure, your child will not feel any pain. A local or general anesthetic is used to completely numb the area before the extraction begins. Your child may feel a sensation of pressure as the tooth is being loosened and removed, and may hear some sounds, but there is no pain involved. Our team walks children through what to expect before starting so they feel informed and at ease throughout the entire appointment.

A single tooth extraction typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes from start to finish. Each additional tooth may add roughly 5 to 15 minutes. Because children’s teeth are structurally different from adult teeth and their roots have not fully developed, extractions in children tend to be less complex than adult procedures. Having a pediatric dentist perform the extraction is recommended since they have specialized training and a child-focused environment that makes the experience significantly smoother.

After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the area while it heals. Keeping that clot in place is important for a smooth recovery. For the first 24 hours, your child should avoid rinsing, spitting, or drinking through a straw, all of which can dislodge the clot. Stick to soft, cool, non-spicy foods and have your child brush and floss gently while avoiding the extraction site. Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help manage any discomfort, and an ice pack applied to the outside of the jaw can reduce mild swelling.

In many cases, yes. When a baby tooth is removed before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, the neighboring teeth can drift into the open space, blocking the incoming permanent tooth and causing misalignment. A space maintainer is a simple custom appliance that holds the gap open until the permanent tooth comes in. Dr. Jobe will evaluate whether a space maintainer is necessary based on which tooth was extracted and how soon the permanent tooth is expected to arrive.

In some situations, yes. When a baby tooth is lingering longer than it should, it can crowd the incoming permanent teeth and push them out of alignment. Removing the stubborn baby tooth at the right time can give the permanent teeth the space they need to come in correctly, which may reduce the severity of crowding and potentially shorten or even eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment down the road. Dr. Jobe will assess your child’s tooth development and timing before making this recommendation.

If your child is experiencing tooth pain, has a damaged or severely decayed tooth, or you have concerns about crowding or a tooth that is not falling out on its own, our team at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Call us at (314) 270-5817 or book an appointment online. Our office is located at 9735 Landmark Parkway Dr., Suite 16, St. Louis, MO 63127. We will evaluate your child’s situation and walk you through the best path forward.