Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Care in Westwood
We always try to save a tooth. Sometimes, though, removing it is the best choice for your child's comfort and long-term oral health. When an extraction is needed, we make it as gentle as we can.
Why a child might need a tooth removed
- Severe decay or infection that can't be repaired.
- A baby tooth that is badly damaged or hasn't loosened when its permanent tooth is coming in behind it.
- Crowding, when an orthodontist recommends making room.
- An injured or broken tooth.
- Impacted or painful wisdom teeth.
Wisdom tooth pain in teens and young adults
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the late teens and early twenties. Some come in without trouble. Others are impacted, partly erupted or crowded, which can cause problems. We check their development with X-rays so we can plan ahead.
Signs a wisdom tooth may need attention:
- Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw.
- Red, swollen or tender gums near the back teeth.
- A bad taste or bad breath.
- Swelling or stiffness in the jaw.
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
What to expect
- We review your child's health history and take X-rays if needed.
- We numb the area so your child is comfortable. Sedation is available for anxious children.
- We remove the tooth gently and place gauze to control bleeding.
- We give you written aftercare instructions.
Recovery tips
- Rest for the remainder of the day and eat soft foods.
- Bite on gauze as instructed to control bleeding.
- Avoid using a straw, spitting hard or rinsing vigorously the first day, since these can disturb the blood clot.
- Ask us or your child's doctor which pain reliever is right for your child. Don't guess the dose.
Call us right away if:
Bleeding doesn't stop, swelling gets worse after the first few days, your child has a fever, or pain grows rather than eases.
Frequently asked questions
Does an extraction hurt?
The area is numbed, so your child should feel pressure but not pain.
Will a gap affect the permanent teeth?
If a baby tooth is removed early, a space maintainer may help hold the space. Ask us.
Does my teen need to have wisdom teeth removed?
Not always. We monitor them and recommend removal when there's a clear reason.
Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Care in Westwood
We always try to save a tooth. Sometimes, though, removing it is the best choice for your child's comfort and long-term oral health. When an extraction is needed, we make it as gentle as we can.
Why a child might need a tooth removed
- Severe decay or infection that can't be repaired.
- A baby tooth that is badly damaged or hasn't loosened when its permanent tooth is coming in behind it.
- Crowding, when an orthodontist recommends making room.
- An injured or broken tooth.
- Impacted or painful wisdom teeth.
Wisdom tooth pain in teens and young adults
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the late teens and early twenties. Some come in without trouble. Others are impacted, partly erupted or crowded, which can cause problems. We check their development with X-rays so we can plan ahead.
Signs a wisdom tooth may need attention:
- Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw.
- Red, swollen or tender gums near the back teeth.
- A bad taste or bad breath.
- Swelling or stiffness in the jaw.
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
What to expect
- We review your child's health history and take X-rays if needed.
- We numb the area so your child is comfortable. Sedation is available for anxious children.
- We remove the tooth gently and place gauze to control bleeding.
- We give you written aftercare instructions.
Recovery tips
- Rest for the remainder of the day and eat soft foods.
- Bite on gauze as instructed to control bleeding.
- Avoid using a straw, spitting hard or rinsing vigorously the first day, since these can disturb the blood clot.
- Ask us or your child's doctor which pain reliever is right for your child. Don't guess the dose.
Call us right away if:
Bleeding doesn't stop, swelling gets worse after the first few days, your child has a fever, or pain grows rather than eases.
Frequently asked questions
Does an extraction hurt?
The area is numbed, so your child should feel pressure but not pain.
Will a gap affect the permanent teeth?
If a baby tooth is removed early, a space maintainer may help hold the space. Ask us.
Does my teen need to have wisdom teeth removed?
Not always. We monitor them and recommend removal when there's a clear reason.