You may be accompanying your child or teen to a regular dental checkup when you get the news: they need a tooth pulled. Experts say not to panic. Here’s how you can best support your child in the weeks leading up to a tooth extraction, all the way to the surgeon’s chair.
Children rarely need to get a tooth pulled, according to Happy Kids Dental. But it’s not unheard of. An extraction might be necessary when a child has an infection, broken tooth or overcrowding issues.
First, choose a quality dental surgeon. “Dr. Mike” King, a pediatric dentist and children’s book author, recommends a board-certified oral surgeon who has plenty of experience working with kids.
“Personally, I wouldn’t recommend going to a general dentist; I’d go to an oral surgeon,” King says.
Before the Procedure
Dr. Elizabeth Walton, the co-founder and clinical director of Risas Kids Dental in Phoenix, says the best way to prepare for a tooth extraction is to calmly talk to kids about the procedure.
“Children watch adults very closely,” Walton says. “If you are anxious or appear alarmed, they will suddenly be alerted that something bad is likely about to happen.”
Walton and King advise against reassuring the child over and over, “It’s going to be OK,” or “You’ll be fine,” as this approach can be counterintuitive. Instead, share with the child that most people have to get a tooth pulled at some point; it’s a rite of passage.
“Think in positive terms,” King adds. “You want to tell [your child] that it’s very routine—and most of the time, it is. ‘This is a very competent person. They’re going to make you as relaxed as possible.’”
Let the child ask questions and give responsive answers that might help ease their anxiety. But don’t overdo it.
“Speak about it once or twice, but don’t dwell on it,” King says.
Encourage box breathing techniques to help the child calm their anxiety. Let the child know that if they raise a hand in the dental chair, the surgeon will stop and let them speak, Walton says.
Even better, schedule to meet with the dental surgeon ahead of time so that the child is familiar with the office setting and the surgeon.
A blog post by Happy Kids Dental recommends offering a form of reinforcement, such as a gift after the procedure. The child might be so excited for that reward that they’ll be distracted from their dental anxiety. On the other hand, Walton says to avoid the rewards and over-the-top praise.
“After all, you said it wasn’t a big deal. Why do they need a trip to the toy store?” she asks.
A happy medium could be allowing your child to choose an ice cream or Jell-O flavor for after the surgery, since those are perfect post-tooth extraction treats.
Ensure your child gets a good night’s rest leading up to the procedure, King advises. On the day of the surgery, make sure to do calm activities so that the child is as relaxed as possible.
After the Procedure
Listen closely to the surgeon’s aftercare instructions, as these are crucial to your child’s recovery process, according to Happy Kids Dental.
Apply ice to your child’s face as soon as you can after surgery to reduce swelling. Some dental surgeons’ offices provide ice packs, while others don’t, so be ready with a bag of frozen vegetables.
“Make sure your child isn’t poking and touching the extraction site,” Walton says. “That will make it start bleeding again.”
She recommends calling the surgeon if there’s profuse bleeding. It’s normal for the child to experience some discomfort and swelling following the surgery.
“Pain can vary. It can be more acute, but most of the time, [the extraction site] is tender and swollen for a day or two,” King says.
He advises giving the child some Advil if the pain is too bothersome.
Prepare only soft foods and drinks for your child for at least the next few days: yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, soup and mashed potatoes are some options. Keep your child away from using straws during the healing process in order to keep the blood clot intact.
In no time, they’ll be back to smiling again!
Zoe Bell has had eight teeth extracted—four of them at the age of 11 or 12.
Oral Surgeons in the Baltimore Area
These oral surgeons offer tooth extraction services—with some specializing in pediatric dentistry.
Maryland Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants: (mdcenteroms.com/oral-surgery/surgical-removal-of-teeth)
Baltimore Children’s Surgery Center: (baltimorechildrens.com/patients)
Smiles4Children: (smiles4children.net/extractions)
