5 Reasons Why Your Child May Need a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are needed when a person suffers from tooth decay, infection, or their tooth is damaged to such a point that it cannot be fixed with a filling or a crown. 

Just as adults, children are also exposed to the risk of tooth decay and infection, especially if they do not have a consistent oral health routine and they have a diet high in sugars. 

How Can You Tell Your Child Needs a Tooth Extraction?

There are a few cases when your child might need a tooth extraction in Ashburn. Of course, their pediatric dentist is the one able to give such a diagnosis. 

Here are some of those situations:

• The Tooth Decay Is Too Severe 

When tooth decay is left untreated in the early stages, it can develop to the point it affects the tooth pulp, which is located in the center of the tooth. The bacteria that affects the pulp can cause an infection and in order to save the tooth, a root canal intervention is needed. But sometimes the decay can be so advanced that extraction is recommended in order to avoid the infection to spread. 

• To Solve Periodontal Problems 

Periodontal disease affects the gums, and the early-stage infection is called gingivitis. When a person suffers from this disease, the tooth is no longer supported, and it starts to loosen. In this case, a tooth extraction would be the best solution.

• To Avoid Damage to Other Teeth

This occurs when a new tooth is erupting, but the primary one is still there. In order to avoid damage to the other teeth, and prevent infection or overcrowding, the dentist may recommend extracting that tooth.

• Overcrowded Teeth

If your teeth are overcrowded, extraction of one or several teeth might be needed to correct the problem and allow the other teeth to develop aligned and with enough room to grow healthy. Overcrowded teeth are also prone to suffer from infections and decay. 

• After an Accident 

Sometimes a tooth might need to be extracted after an accident. The options for preserving the tooth will not be enough if the damage is too big. In order to keep the rest of the mouth healthy, the best option would be to remove the tooth. 

Does Your Child Need an Extraction? We Can Help!

As you can see, there are many scenarios where a tooth extraction might be needed. Of course, we will always look for alternatives and make sure the natural tooth can be saved, but sometimes the healthiest thing to do is to remove it. 

At Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Ashburn pediatric dentist Dr. Jonathon Konz focuses on treating the child, not just their teeth. We know that every child is different and we treat them as such.

If you are ready, schedule an appointment with us and we would be happy to help your child have perfect oral health.