Baby Teeth Extraction in Children
Baby teeth begin to erupt in children as early as their first year of life, and they are gradually replaced by permanent teeth by the age of 5-6. This process usually occurs spontaneously, thanks to the natural resorption of the roots of baby teeth. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to extract a baby tooth. In this article, we will discuss when dental extraction is necessary and how to prevent the potential negative consequences of early tooth extraction.
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The removal of primary teeth in children is not performed "at will," but rather for medical reasons, when saving the tooth is no longer possible or safe. If a decayed primary tooth is not removed, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, causing gum inflammation and damaging the permanent tooth bud. This is especially important to consider, as the root of the primary tooth is located close to the future permanent tooth, and any complication can affect its growth and position.
For a child, such problems can result in malocclusion, abnormal eruption of permanent teeth, and even speech impairment. In some cases, delaying the removal leads to more complex and lengthy treatment than timely removal. Therefore, the procedure is considered a comprehensive medical intervention aimed at maintaining oral health and the proper development of the dental system, rather than a simple mechanical intervention.
Indications for removal of baby teeth
- Caries that cannot be treated
- Serious tooth damage
- Problems with root resorption that interfere with the growth of permanent teeth
- Inflammation in the oral cavity
- Improper positioning of teeth affecting the development of new ones
- Cysts at the roots of baby teeth
Timing the Removal of Baby Teeth
The optimal timing for removal depends on the condition of the tooth and the stage of dental malocclusion. If a baby tooth has become loose due to natural resorption and is not interfering with the eruption of a permanent tooth, it can usually be allowed to fall out on its own. However, if the crown is damaged, there is inflammation, or the permanent tooth is not mobile when it is ready to emerge, dental intervention is indicated. In such situations, it is important to assess the condition of the root: if resorption is delayed or complications arise, removal can prevent displacement and malposition of the permanent tooth.
Temporary Contraindications to Removal
There are temporary contraindications, in which case the removal procedure is postponed until the child's condition stabilizes. These include acute infectious diseases, high fever, exacerbation of chronic conditions, severe inflammation of the oral mucosa, and general malaise on the day of the appointment. In such situations, the procedure may be unsafe or associated with an increased risk of complications. The final decision on the timing of the procedure is always made by the doctor after an in-person assessment of the child's condition and clinical picture.
Contraindications for removing baby teeth
There are certain conditions under which the removal of a baby tooth should be postponed. These include:
- Infectious diseases and inflammatory processes in the oral cavity
- Problems with blood coagulation
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Bruises and hematomas in the area where tooth extraction is expected
In the presence of oncological formations, the procedure is performed in a hospital with additional precautions and appropriate treatment.
General information about the procedure
Features of tooth extraction for a child
Extraction of baby teeth is significantly different from removal of molars. Primary teeth have thinner and more fragile roots, and are also located in close proximity to developing permanent dental units. Due to the poorly defined neck of the tooth, the dentist works as carefully as possible and uses special tools to reduce the child’s discomfort.
When choosing anesthesia for tooth extraction in children, the age of the child, his general health and the presence of allergic reactions to drugs are taken into account. Also important factors are the degree of anxiety and previous experience of dental procedures, which may affect the reaction to anesthesia. If the tooth is very loose and the roots have almost resolved, anesthesia is not required.
Important! In cases where the child has a strong fear of the procedure, the dentist uses local anesthesia. It involves applying an anesthetic gel or injecting an anesthetic into the mucous membrane using a thin needle.
In more complex situations, for example, with inflammation, psychological disorders or the presence of tumors, tooth extraction is performed under general anesthesia.
What to do if a tooth is loose
When a child's baby tooth begins to loosen, it is part of normal growth and development. There is usually no need to see a dentist if the tooth falls out on its own and is not causing pain or inflammation. It is important to simply follow this process and help it:
- Add chewy foods to your child's diet, such as crunchy apples or carrots, to strengthen gums
- If bleeding occurs after tooth loss, gently apply a cotton pad soaked in antiseptic to the gum
- Regularly pay attention to your child’s oral hygiene, especially in the area of the lost tooth
In addition, teach your child all the skills to care for teeth and gums, choose a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste for his age. Don't forget about regular dental checkups to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
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Characteristics of primary teeth
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, begin to emerge in children shortly after birth and are fully formed by the third year of life. There are 20 of them in total: ten on each jaw. The central incisors appear first, followed by the lateral incisors, then the first molars and canines. The second molars are the last to erupt. Various factors, for example, stress, bad habits of the mother during pregnancy and the peculiarities of its course (toxicosis), can affect the process of formation and growth of teeth.
Baby teeth have their own anatomical features:
The number of root canals is the same as in permanent teeth, but the roots of primary teeth are inclined due to the presence of permanent tooth buds underneath them and are distinguished by a large distance between the canals. The tubercles on the chewing surface are less developed.