Dental Extractions

At Alligator Dental, we are the premier dental practice for children’s dental extractions in Cibolo, Gonzales, San Marcos, and Seguin, Texas. Our team of experienced and certified doctors, Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, and Dr. Israel Saintil, are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our young patients. We understand that a dental extraction can be a scary and overwhelming experience for children and their families, and we strive to make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

What is a Dental Extraction?

A dental extraction is a procedure in which we remove a tooth from the jaw. We typically recommend an extraction when your child’s tooth is highly decayed, damaged, or impacted.

Tooth extractions should always be the last resort, as other options are often available. It is essential to try to save the tooth before recommending extraction because it is usually more cost-effective and can help preserve your child’s overall dental health. Saving the tooth can prevent a need for more complex treatments, such as implants or bridges, and can also help preserve jawbone structure, which is vital for proper dental function.

What is an Impacted Tooth?

An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot break through the gum line due to a lack of space in the jaw. The impact can lead to pain, infection, and other dental health issues.

What can I Expect During my Child’s Dental Extraction?

Our team will take every precaution during the extraction process to ensure your child’s safety and comfort. Our experienced doctors will provide your child with a local anesthetic to ensure that they experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. We use the most advanced digital x-rays to accurately diagnose the impacted tooth’s condition and ensure that the extraction is performed properly.

We understand that a dental extraction can be a stressful experience for you and your child. Our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the procedure. We also offer a variety of resources, including educational materials, to help prepare your child for their extraction.

What Resources Will Alligator Dental Provide to Help My Child Prepare for Their Dental Extraction?

We offer a variety of resources, including educational materials, to help prepare your child for their extraction. First, talk to your child in advance about dental extraction. Make sure they understand the procedure and what will happen. Reassure them that it is safe and that the dentist will use numbing medicine to make it as comfortable as possible. Also, make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep the night before the extraction. Make sure your child eats a light meal before the extraction. Bring a comforting item from home, like a blanket or stuffed animal, to help your child feel more secure. If your child is very anxious, talk to your dentist about sedation options. Finally, after the extraction, ensure your child gets plenty of rest and eats a soft diet for a few days. Talk to your dentist about pain relief options after the extraction.

What to do After Your Dental Extraction

After your child’s dental extraction, there are a few critical steps to ensure a smooth recovery.

Bleeding: After the procedure, it is normal for there to be some light bleeding. You should instruct your child to bite down gently on a piece of gauze for 15-20 minutes to help stop the bleeding.

Diet: For the first few days after the extraction, your child should stick to a soft diet that does not require a lot of chewing. Examples of soft foods include mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. It is important to avoid hot liquids and foods that are sticky or crunchy.

Pain: Your child may experience discomfort for the first few days after the extraction. You may give ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the pain.

Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is vital to help prevent infection. Instruct your child to brush and floss regularly to avoid the extraction site.

Follow-Up: It is essential to follow up with the dentist after the extraction to ensure that the healing is progressing as expected.

Following these steps will help to ensure a smooth recovery after the child’s dental extraction.