When is an extraction needed?
While our focus at Little Bee’s Pediatric Dentistry is always on prevention and preservation, there are times when a pediatric tooth extraction is the healthiest choice for your child. Whether it’s a severely decayed baby tooth, an infected tooth that can’t be saved, or one that’s causing crowding or blocking an adult tooth from erupting, extractions can help protect the rest of your child’s smile. We approach every extraction with a gentle hand, a calming environment, and options to help your child feel safe, comfortable, and in control.
Benefits of Pediatric Tooth Extraction
Protects the Health of Surrounding Teeth
Removing a damaged or infected tooth prevents the spread of decay or infection to nearby teeth and tissues.
Creates Space for Healthy Growth
Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out on their own or may block adult teeth. Extraction makes room for natural development and proper alignment.
Relieves Pain and Prevents Complications
If your child is in discomfort due to a damaged or abscessed tooth, an extraction offers fast relief and reduces the risk of more serious issues.
What we offer
What Sets Us Apart?
Child-First, Comfort-Always Approach
From ceiling TVs to sensory-friendly techniques, we create a space where kids feel supported and cared for—even during tricky visits like extractions.
Expertise from Board-Certified Specialists
Our pediatric dentists are highly trained in oral surgery for children, ensuring extractions are performed safely and efficiently with minimal stress.
Open Communication with Parents
You’ll be involved in every step, from diagnosis to aftercare. We’ll explain what’s happening, why it’s needed, and what to expect during healing.
The Pediatric Tooth Extraction Process
Here's what you can expect.
Gentle Evaluation & Planning
Using digital X-rays and a careful exam, we determine whether extraction is needed and walk you through the treatment plan.
Numbing & Comfort
We use a gentle local anesthetic to numb the area completely. If needed, nitrous oxide is offered to help your child feel calm during their treatment.
Quick, Painless Removal
With tiny tools and expert hands, we carefully loosen and remove the tooth. Most extractions are over in just a few minutes!
Recovery & Aftercare
We’ll send you home with clear instructions, kid-friendly pain relief tips, and our team’s full support. Most kids feel back to normal within a day or two.
FAQs
Do baby teeth always need to be replaced after extraction?
Not always. If the adult tooth isn’t close to erupting, we may recommend a space maintainer to keep things aligned. We’ll talk you through it based on your child’s age and development.
Will my child feel pain during the extraction?
Nope! We numb the area completely and offer nitrous oxide to help your child relax. Most kids are surprised by how quick and easy the visit is.
How can I help my child recover after an extraction?
Keep the area clean, stick to soft foods for a day or two, and follow our home-care guide. Most kids bounce back quickly and can return to school or play the next day.
When is Extraction Recommended?
We may recommend extraction if a tooth is severely decayed, infected, impacted, or interfering with orthodontic development. We’ll explore all options first—and only suggest removal when absolutely necessary.
Making It a Positive Experience
We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help kids relax during the procedure. Our team uses child-friendly language, distraction techniques, and lots of reassurance to make the visit feel safe and empowering.