Gentle Pediatric Tooth Extractions

At Novato Children's Dentistry, we understand that the prospect of a tooth extraction can be daunting for both children and parents.

Our dedicated team is here to provide gentle, compassionate care, ensuring the process is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

We specialize in pediatric population tooth extractions, addressing issues that cannot be resolved through other dental treatments.

Understanding Pediatric Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions in children may be necessary for several reasons, including severe decay, infection, orthodontic correction, or trauma. Our primary goal is always to save the natural tooth, but when an extraction is the best option for your child's oral health, Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini are here to provide expert care.

Our Approach to Tooth Extractions

  1. Gentle Techniques: Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini are trained in many different techniques, verbally and physically, to make the process as comfortable and easy as possible. We find that most of the fear and anxiety come at the start of the appointment and by the end we hear statements such as, “You’re done?!” “The tooth is out already?!” or “I didn’t feel a thing!”
  1. Sedation Options: Understanding that comfort and calmness are crucial, we may recommend Nitrous Oxide in conjunction with the local anesthetic. This very benign, mild anxiolytic gas is breathed throughout the appointment. The onset is fast, the patient is relaxed while awake, and the reversal is also quick, which allows a patient to even return to school. Upon assessment or in the beginning of the appointment, if we don’t feel the nitrous oxide is sufficient enough to help provide a positive experience for the dental extraction then we have wonderful referrals for local oral surgeons that work with children. They can safely deepen the sedation to help protect their developing psyche from medical procedure trauma. 
  1. Aftercare Guidance: Post-extraction, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and swift healing process, including pain management and oral hygiene practices.

After Your Child's Tooth Extraction

We found that as long as patients follow these recommendations, then our patients do not experience post-extraction complications:

  • Bite on gauze or tissue providing the extraction site with sufficient pressure for 5-10 minutes after the extraction. Continue for 5-10 minute intervals until bleeding or oozing has stopped. 
  • After the extraction and the bleeding has stopped, the child can drink liquids from a cup and eat mushy foods such as soup, smoothie, fruit puree with a spoon. Once the local anesthetic has worn off, patients can eat soft foods that require chewing such as rice, beans, noodles, boiled vegetables and may want to chew on the opposite side of the extraction site. Softer diet is recommended for comfort as long as the patient needs it.
  • No sports or exercise for the rest of the day to prevent spontaneous bleeding or pain.
  • No chips, seeds, nuts, or popcorn for 1 week to prevent sharp pieces from embedding into the healing socket. If this occurs a dental procedure visit with local anesthetic is required to clean out the socket and will prolong the healing process. 
  • No straws for 1 week to prevent dry socket which results in pain and prolonged bleeding. 
  • Ibuprofen and Tylenol combination per the child’s weight every 6 hours and right before bed the first night. Check in with the child in the morning to see if they still have any discomfort. If they do, continue with Ibuprofen/Tylenol combination every 6 hours through the day and right before bed. Continue daily until the child proclaims that they don’t feel pain in the area. 

Wisdom Teeth and Complex Extractions 

Please note: Our office does not perform Wisdom Tooth extractions. We may also recommend a referral to an Oral Surgeon to perform a complex extraction or extractions for extremely nervous or anxious patients. Our team is happy to meet with you and your child first to evaluate and discuss potential treatment options. 

  • Wisdom Tooth Extractions: These procedures typically require specialized care that we recommend be provided by an oral surgeon. We work with a variety of amazing local Oral Surgeons here in Novato and the surrounding Bay Area, and are happy to help recommend an office that would work well for you and your child.
  • Complex Extractions: While we are equipped to handle most pediatric tooth extractions, some cases may be too complex for our setting. In these instances, we will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon. Our priority is ensuring your child receives the best possible care, even if that means referring out to a specialist.

Schedule Your Child's Consultation

If your child requires a tooth extraction, or if you're seeking advice on your child's dental health, Novato Children's Dentistry is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We're committed to providing your child with the highest standard of dental care, focusing on their comfort, health, and well-being throughout the process.