Tooth Extractions for Kids and Teens in Christiansburg, VA

• Severe decay or infection that cannot be treated with a filling, pulp therapy or a crown.
• A badly broken tooth after an accident.
• Baby teeth that will not fall out and are blocking a permanent tooth, sometimes causing a double row of teeth.
• Crowding, when an orthodontist recommends removing teeth to make room.
• Extra teeth that are getting in the way of normal teeth.

Some extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth or complex surgical cases, may be referred to an oral surgeon. We will explain the plan for your child before any treatment.

The area is numbed with local anesthetic so your child feels pressure rather than pain. The dentist gently loosens and removes the tooth, then places gauze to help a blood clot form. Most extractions of baby teeth take only a few minutes. For children who are anxious or need more than one tooth removed, we can talk about laughing gas or other sedation options.

• Have your child bite gently on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Watch that your child does not bite their numb lip, cheek or tongue.
• Offer soft, cool foods for the rest of the day.
• For the first day, avoid straws, spitting and rinsing hard, which can loosen the clot.
• Use children's pain relievers as directed by the dentist if needed.
• Call us if bleeding does not slow down, swelling increases or your child has a fever.

When a baby tooth is removed long before the permanent tooth is ready, the teeth next to the gap can drift into the space. A space maintainer keeps the space open so the permanent tooth can come in where it should. The dentist will let you know if your child needs one.

Sometimes an orthodontist recommends removing certain teeth to make room for crowded permanent teeth or to guide teeth into better positions. When that happens, we coordinate with your child's orthodontist so the right teeth are removed at the right time. We also remove baby teeth that are not falling out on their own and are holding back permanent teeth, which can help those teeth come in where they should.

Talk about the visit in calm, simple words, such as "the dentist will help the tooth come out so your mouth feels better." Avoid scary words, and let your child bring a comfort item. Our team explains each step in kid-friendly language, and parents are welcome to stay nearby for most extractions. For children who are very anxious, laughing gas or other sedation options can help them relax.

Most children need little more than rest and a children's pain reliever, as directed by the dentist, for a day or two. A cold pack wrapped in a cloth and held on the cheek for short periods can ease swelling on the first day. Keep your child's head slightly raised when resting, and avoid hot drinks until the numbness is gone. Gentle brushing of the other teeth can start that evening, avoiding the extraction site until the next day. Most children are back to normal activities within a day.

Blacksburg families are about 15 minutes from our office along US-460. If your child has a painful, broken or infected tooth, call us first, and we will see them as soon as possible. Many simple extractions of baby teeth can be completed during the same visit as the exam, so your child can feel better quickly.

From Radford, our office is about 20 minutes away, and families from Dublin and Pulaski usually drive 25 to 35 minutes on I-81. When a baby tooth is removed early, we can often take the measurements for a space maintainer at the same visit, which helps reduce the number of trips.

Families from Roanoke City and Roanoke County make the 40 to 50 minute drive up I-81 for care with our team. Plan for your child to take it easy for the rest of the day after an extraction, and pack a soft snack such as yogurt or applesauce for when the numbness wears off on the way home.