How to Prepare Your Child for Tooth Extraction

How to Prepare Your Child for Tooth Extraction

In an ideal world, we would be able to preserve our natural teeth for an entire lifetime. However, the reality is that cavities cause damage and sometimes this damage is irreparable. If fillings, crowns, or root canals cannot save a tooth, removing it may be the safest and the best course of action. Irreversible tooth structure damage from decay isn’t the only reason why a tooth may need to be removed. Overcrowding and impacted wisdom teeth are two other common reasons for dental extractions, particularly during childhood.

 

Getting a tooth extraction is rarely a pleasant experience, especially for a young child who may be understandably nervous or scared. Fortunately, there are things that you can do that will minimize the stress that your child experiences.

 

Here are our top tips on how to prepare your child for a tooth extraction.

 

Answer questions honestly

While it’s tempting to tell a few little white lies to ease your child’s fears about the procedure, the reality is that doing so could seriously affect their trust in you in the future. It’s much better to be as honest as possible, while also being mindful of explaining things carefully. For example, your child might ask if their gum might bleed after the tooth has been removed. You can explain that yes, but it is normal and isn’t anything to worry about. It is also helpful to explain that a special type of gauze is usually placed on the area of the tooth extraction to help with the bleeding and that bleeding from the mouth looks worse than it is because when blood mixes with saliva, it makes it appear to be more than there actually is. Your child will appreciate your honesty there should be less of a shock for them following the procedure.

 

Take some distractions with you

Distraction is one of the most valuable weapons in a parent’s arsenal. Talking to your child during his or her extraction, playing a favorite music choice, or even letting them watch a video on a digital device are all welcome distractions. This will help keep their mind off what’s happening and focused on something more interesting instead.

 

Focus on the positives

It may not feel as though there is much to be positive about, but it’s important to try and find some if you can. For example, you can explain to your child that the tooth won’t cause them pain anymore or potentially cause damage to adjacent teeth once it’s gone.

 

Give your child something to look forward to

One of the best ways of helping a child through an unpleasant experience is to give them a positive one to look forward to. This could be rewarding them with a new toy, a trip to the ice cream parlor, or a day at the beach. Anything that they enjoy will give them something to focus on before, during, and after the procedure.

 

Ask your dentist what they can do to help

Most dentists are very experienced in dealing with nervous and anxious patients including children. Oral Surgeons are dental specialists who have advanced training in sedation techniques to help ease your child’s fears so be sure to speak to the dentist to find out what options are offed.

 

For more advice on preparing your child for a dental extraction, contact Rejuvenescence Oral & Facial Surgery, Dental Implants, and Cosmetics in Duluth, GA at (678) 562-8710 to speak with our dedicated and experienced dental surgery team.