Removal of baby teeth in children

Already in the first year of life, children begin to erupt milk teeth, which are gradually replaced by permanent teeth by the age of 5-6. Usually this process occurs independently, due to the natural resorption of the roots of baby teeth. But sometimes it becomes necessary to remove a baby tooth. In this article we will discuss in what cases tooth extraction is required and how to prevent the possible negative consequences of early tooth extraction.
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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:

  • Smaller coronal part
  • Thinner layer of enamel and dentin (from 0.6 to 1 mm)
  • Weak mineralization
  • Lack of immune zones
  • Larger pulp volume
  • Short dentinal tubules

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.

Characteristics of primary teeth

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

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.

Stages of milk tooth removal

To create a comfortable atmosphere during the removal of a baby tooth in children, doctors advise:

  1. Be close to the child and support him
  2. Talk about the dentist only in a positive way, without scaring the child
  3. Keep calm so as not to convey your excitement to your baby
  4. Praise and encourage the child for his courage

Before proceeding with tooth extraction, the doctor conducts a thorough examination. Then he sends the baby for an x-ray examination. The image is necessary to study the structure of the tooth, the number and location of roots, as well as to check the condition of the surrounding tissues. A professional cleaning may also be required to remove plaque and tartar that may be interfering with the tooth extraction process.

Main stages of surgical treatment:

  1. Anesthesia: the dentist applies a numbing gel or gives an injection to reduce pain
  2. Use of the instrument: after numbing the gums, the doctor carefully grabs the tooth with special forceps
  3. Extraction: the tooth is carefully loosened and removed
  4. Inspection of the hole: the dentist checks that all root debris has been removed
  5. Applying a swab: a sterile swab is placed on the site of the extracted tooth

After tooth extraction, the doctor gives recommendations to parents on how to care for the child’s oral cavity during the healing period.

Home procedures after baby tooth extraction

After a child’s baby tooth has been removed, it is important to follow a number of simple rules:

  1. Carefully remove the cotton swab from the child’s mouth 20 minutes after the tooth extraction
  2. Do not feed your baby during the first two hours after the procedure
  3. Do not rinse your mouth in the first days
  4. When brushing your teeth, do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the socket
  5. Warn your child not to touch the blood clot at the site of the extracted tooth, otherwise an infection may develop
  6. Do not give your child hot, spicy, salty or hard foods immediately after tooth extraction

These recommendations promote an easy and safe healing process. If inflammation or bleeding occurs, consult a doctor immediately.

Consequences of tooth extraction in children

The most common complications after the removal of baby teeth in pediatric dentistry include the following:

  • Damage to adjacent teeth, which increases the risk of caries
  • Shift of teeth towards the empty space, especially if the tooth was removed prematurely
  • Damage or removal of the dental nerve affecting the growth of permanent teeth
  • Alveolitis (inflammation of the tooth socket) and infection that occurs when a protective blood clot is damaged

To reduce the likelihood of complications, you must carefully choose your dentist and strictly follow his recommendations after surgery.

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:

  1. Add chewy foods to your child's diet, such as crunchy apples or carrots, to strengthen gums
  2. If bleeding occurs after tooth loss, gently apply a cotton pad soaked in antiseptic to the gum
  3. 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.

What to do if a tooth is loose
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