Tooth Extractions
Durham, North Carolina
At New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry, we never spare any effort to save a damaged tooth. But that's not always possible. Whether it's a stubborn tooth refusing to budge, orthodontic needs, or an unexpected injury, our friendly team may recommend a tooth extraction to get your little one's smile back on track. We'll make sure your child has the best possible experience!
A tooth extraction may be needed for
A baby tooth that won't fall out on its own to make room for its adult replacement
As a component of an orthodontic treatment to make room for the remaining teeth to shift into alignment
As an emergency treatment to relieve pain and prevent complications from severe decay, trauma, or infection
What Can You Expect?
Our kid-friendly team is dedicated to ensuring your child's time with us is comfortable and stress-free. Before starting treatment, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure your child's extraction procedure is painless. We also offer sedation dentistry options, as needed, to help your child feel calm and relaxed during treatment.
We typically perform simple extractions, which involve loosening an affected tooth with an instrument called an elevator and gently removing it with forceps. Your child may feel pressure but should feel no pain. Most children return to their daily routines soon after.
If your child has mild pain or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relief medication or cold compresses can help. Remember to check with your child's pediatrician or pediatric dentist before administering any medication. Offer your little one soft foods for a few days, and be careful not to brush around the extraction site for a day or two. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to let us know.
What Is a Space Maintainer?
When extracting a baby tooth, it's important to consider your little one's future oral health. Leaving a gap in your child's smile can cause the neighboring teeth to shift out of place, leading to crooked teeth and interfering with the space needed for the adult teeth to come in the proper alignment. That often translates to the need for orthodontic treatment down the road.
Depending on the location of the extracted tooth, we may recommend a space maintainer. The custom oral appliance will hold the space left by the extracted tooth, preventing the surrounding teeth from moving out of place. In some cases, we can even place the spacer on the same day as the extraction. That helps ensure there's enough room for the permanent tooth to come in straight, preventing or minimizing the need for braces down the road.
Why Choose New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry?
At New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves a positive and rewarding dental care experience. We are dedicated to helping you turn over a new leaf in your child's oral health journey and are here to empower you and work alongside you to lay the foundation for healthy oral care habits that last a lifetime.
Our team at New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry is committed to providing cutting-edge dental care in a happy and welcoming environment. We strive to ensure our young patients have a stellar time as they build healthy associations with the dentist and future dental care.
Here's more of what sets New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry apart:
Fun & Engaging Atmosphere
We offer a warm and caring environment filled with games, activities, and friendly faces to make even the most anxious child feel at ease
Gentle and Caring Team
Our experienced pediatric dentist and kid-friendly team are passionate about working with children and understand the unique needs of growing smiles.
Open Communication
We believe in clear communication with parents, keeping you informed and involved in every aspect of your child's dental care journey.
Tooth Extractions Near Me in Durham, NC
At New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry, we always exhaust every option before recommending a tooth extraction. Our team will ensure your child feels safe, comfortable, and relaxed throughout any procedure. You can always count on us for compassionate, gentle care that exceeds your expectations.
We invite you to call our office at 919-352-9011 to schedule your child's appointment or visit us online to request one today! We proudly serve pediatric patients in Durham, NC, and the surrounding communities.