Milk Tooth Extraction

Primary teeth are the foundation of children's oral and jaw health. Most of the time, they naturally loosen and fall out due to the pressure of the permanent teeth erupting from underneath. However, sometimes this natural cycle can be interrupted, and the extraction of a primary tooth may become necessary by a dentist. Primary tooth extraction may be required not only in emergencies but also to create space for permanent teeth to erupt healthily. Advancements in pediatric dentistry make primary tooth extraction comfortable for children. Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan, who serves his patients in Adana, explained what primary tooth extraction is and in which cases a primary tooth needs to be extracted.

Importance of Primary Teeth and the Necessity of Extraction

Primary teeth are of great importance for children not only for chewing function but also for developing speech skills. However, their most important function is to hold space for the permanent teeth that will erupt from underneath. Healthy primary teeth ensure that permanent teeth erupt at the correct angle, at the correct spot, and in the correct position. In contrast, in some situations, instead of waiting for primary teeth to fall out naturally, they may need to be extracted. These situations include:

Decay and Infection – If decay in primary teeth has progressed too much to be saved with fillings and root canal treatments, the primary tooth needs to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading to the tooth root or surrounding tissues. If infection in primary teeth is neglected, the development of the permanent tooth may be harmed, or the patient's general health may be at risk.

Traumas – Traumas to the teeth due to an accident can cause a primary tooth to break or become dislodged. In such cases, the primary tooth may need to be extracted.

Impacted and Crowded Permanent Teeth – If permanent teeth attempt to erupt before the primary tooth underneath falls out, this can lead to orthodontic problems. In such cases, the primary tooth is extracted to ensure the permanent tooth erupts correctly.

Orthodontic Reasons – If the child's jaw structure is narrow, permanent teeth may erupt crookedly. To prevent this, primary teeth may need to be extracted.

When Can Primary Teeth Be Extracted?

Primary teeth are extracted when they impede the eruption of permanent teeth or when there is significant decay and infection. Children begin to lose their primary teeth gradually when they turn six. This process continues until they are twelve years old. Generally, the lower front teeth are lost first, followed by the upper front teeth. The correct timing for tooth extraction is usually concurrent with the primary tooth beginning to loosen and the permanent tooth becoming visible. However, each child's physical development process is different. Your dentist will make the most accurate plan regarding the extraction of primary teeth.

Can a Non-Wobbly Primary Tooth Be Extracted?

Generally, it is not recommended to extract non-wobbly primary teeth for the proper eruption of permanent teeth. This is because a non-wobbly primary tooth has not yet entered its natural shedding process. Extracting non-wobbly primary teeth can lead to damage to the child's gums. However, if there is a serious infection or decay in the primary tooth, the child's general health may be at risk. In such cases, the dentist may decide to extract the primary tooth.

Is Primary Tooth Extraction Difficult?

From a technical standpoint, primary tooth extractions are easier than permanent tooth extractions. This is because primary teeth structurally have shorter and thinner roots. However, the child's age, the condition of the tooth, and the child's general health status affect the difficulty level of the operation.

Can an Abscessed Primary Tooth Be Extracted?

Abscessed primary teeth are indicative of a serious level of infection. Therefore, before extracting a primary tooth, the infection must be brought under control. The dentist applies antibiotic treatment for a period to eliminate the infection. Afterwards, the tooth can be extracted. Professional treatment is mandatory to prevent the spread of the infection.

How Is Primary Tooth Extraction Performed?

When primary teeth are extracted in children, the child's psychology must also be taken into consideration. Therefore, a different approach than with adults is required.

Psychological Preparation – First, the child should be spoken to, the process explained in a simple way, and positive feelings encouraged. At this point, the child should not feel fear or anxiety.

Anesthesia – The area is numbed with local anesthesia so that the child does not feel any pain during primary tooth extraction.

Tooth Extraction – At this point, the dentist extracts the wobbly primary tooth that needs to be removed using special equipment.

Recovery Period – After the primary tooth extraction, a sterile gauze pad is applied to the socket of the extracted tooth to stop the bleeding. The child bites on this pad for a short period. This facilitates blood clotting.

Post-Primary Tooth Extraction Care

After primary tooth extraction, proper care practices support the child's healing process and prevent possible complications. On the first day, hard, hot, or spicy foods should be avoided. In fact, to prevent the child from experiencing speech and swallowing problems, nothing should be eaten for the first two to three hours after tooth extraction.

After tooth extraction, it is considered normal for the patient to feel slight swelling or pain in the area. Pain can be controlled by using painkillers recommended by the dentist. A cold compress can be applied to the cheek area.

On the day of primary tooth extraction, the area should not be brushed, and spitting should be avoided. However, an antiseptic mouthwash can be used starting from the second day.

On the day of tooth extraction and for the first few days, as soft foods as possible should be consumed, and chewing should be done on the opposite side of the extracted tooth.