Primary teeth (baby teeth) are the foundation of children's oral and jaw health. Most of the time, they loosen and fall out naturally under the pressure of the erupting permanent teeth beneath them. However, sometimes this natural cycle can be interrupted, making it mandatory for a dentist to extract the primary tooth. Primary tooth extraction may be required not only in emergency cases, but also to create space so that permanent teeth can erupt healthily. Developments in the field of pediatric dentistry make primary tooth extraction a comfortable process for children. Serving his patients in Adana, Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan explained what primary tooth extraction is and in which cases a primary tooth needs to be extracted.
Why Are Primary Teeth Important and Under Which Conditions Should They Be Extracted?
Primary teeth carry great importance for children not only in providing chewing function but also in developing speech skills. However, their most important function is to serve as space maintainers for the permanent teeth that will emerge underneath. Having healthy primary teeth ensures that permanent teeth erupt at the correct angle, in the correct spot, and in the correct position. On the other hand, in some cases, primary teeth may need to be extracted instead of waiting for them to fall out naturally. To list these situations:
Caries and Infection – If dental caries occurring in primary teeth have advanced to a point where they cannot be saved through fillings or root canal treatments, the primary tooth must be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading to the root of the tooth or surrounding tissues. If an infection in primary teeth is neglected, the development of the permanent tooth may be damaged, or the general health of the patient may be put at risk.
Trauma – Dental trauma experienced as a result of an accident can cause the primary tooth to fracture 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 underlying primary tooth falls out, this situation can cause orthodontic problems. In such cases, the primary tooth is extracted to ensure the proper eruption of the permanent tooth.
Orthodontic Indications – If the child's jaw structure is narrow, permanent teeth may erupt in a crowded manner. Primary teeth may need to be extracted to prevent this.
When Can Primary Teeth Be Extracted?
Primary teeth are extracted when they impede the eruption of permanent teeth or when severe caries and infection are present. When children reach the age of six, they begin losing their primary teeth gradually. This process continues until the age of twelve. Generally, lower front teeth fall out first, followed by upper front teeth. The correct timing for tooth extraction usually coincides with the primary tooth beginning to loosen and the permanent tooth becoming prominent. However, every child's physical development process is different. Your dentist will make the most accurate plan regarding the extraction of primary teeth.
Is a Non-Loose Primary Tooth Extracted?
Generally, extracting primary teeth that are not loose is not recommended to allow permanent teeth to erupt properly. A primary tooth that is not loose means it has not entered its natural shedding process. Extracting non-loose primary teeth can lead to damage in the child's gums. However, if a severe infection or caries is present in the primary tooth, the overall health condition of the child is put at risk. In such cases, the dentist may decide to extract the primary tooth.
Is Primary Tooth Extraction Difficult?
Technically, extracting primary teeth is easier than extracting permanent teeth. This is because primary teeth structurally have shorter and thinner roots. On the other hand, the child's age, the condition of the tooth, and the child's overall health status affect the level of difficulty of the procedure.
Is an Abscessed Primary Tooth Extracted?
Abscessed primary teeth are harbinger of a severe level of infection. Therefore, the infection must be brought under control before the primary tooth is extracted. The dentist applies antibiotic treatment for a period to eliminate the infection. Afterwards, the tooth can be extracted. It is mandatory to seek professional treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
How is Primary Tooth Extraction Performed?
When extracting primary teeth in children, the child's psychology must also be taken into consideration. Therefore, an approach different from that used for adults is required.
Psychological Preparation – First, the child should be spoken to, the process should be explained in a simple manner, and positive feelings should be fostered. At this point, it is necessary that the child feels no fear or anxiety.
Anesthesia – To ensure the child feels no pain during the primary tooth extraction, the area is numbed with local anesthesia.
Tooth Extraction – At this point, the dentist extracts the loose primary tooth that needs removal using specialized equipment.
Healing Period – Following the extraction of the primary tooth, sterile gauze is applied to the socket of the extracted tooth to stop bleeding. The child bites down on this gauze for a short period. This facilitates blood clotting.
How Should Oral Care Be Performed After Primary Tooth Extraction?
Following primary tooth extraction, proper care applications support the child's healing process and prevent possible complications. Hard, hot, or spicy foods should be avoided on the first day. In fact, nothing should be consumed for the first two to three hours after extraction so that the child does not experience speech or swallowing problems.
It is considered normal for the patient to feel mild swelling or pain in the area after the tooth extraction. Pain can be controlled by using painkillers recommended by the dentist. Cold compresses can be applied to the cheek region.
On the day of tooth extraction, the area should not be brushed, and spitting should be avoided. However, antiseptic mouthwash can be used starting from the second day.
On the day of extraction and for the first few days, soft foods should be consumed as much as possible, and chewing should be performed using the side opposite to the extracted tooth.
How is the Primary Tooth Extraction Price Determined?
The price of primary tooth extraction may vary depending on the location of the tooth to be extracted, the degree of difficulty of the extraction, the child's oral and dental health status, and the scope of the treatment to be applied. The cost of a simple primary tooth extraction may not be the same as cases requiring infection management, fractured teeth, or surgical procedures. In addition, supplementary procedures prior to extraction, such as taking a panoramic X-ray, administering sedation, or planning space maintainer treatment following extraction, can also affect total treatment costs. Because every child's oral and dental structure as well as treatment needs are different, a definitive price for primary tooth extraction can only be determined after a dental examination. Thanks to the clinical and, when necessary, radiographic evaluation to be performed, the most appropriate treatment plan is created and detailed cost information is shared according to the procedures to be executed.
Children's Teeth
