Tooth Extractions and Space Maintenance
If a tooth is not savable, it may need to be extracted. In this case, after numbing the area, Dr. Church gently helps the tooth become loose and removes it. The socket will then be cleaned out to encourage quicker healing. The tooth will then be packaged and ready for the tooth fairy!
If any teeth need to be removed with still years to go before its replacement will come through, it may be necessary to place a space maintainer in the area to prevent collapsing of the neighboring teeth. These maintainers are a fixed retainer cemented to an adjacent tooth and will be removed by the dentist or orthodontist when the desired permanent teeth begin to erupt.
Book OnlineFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Oral Surgery (Extractions & Space Maintenance)
Tooth Extractions
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
A tooth extraction is only recommended if a tooth is determined to be not savable due to severe decay, infection, or trauma. Dr. Church will always try to use restorative options first, like fillings or crowns, if possible.
Is the extraction procedure painful for my child?
Before the extraction, the area is completely numbed with anesthetic. Dr. Church then gently loosens and removes the tooth. The goal is to make the experience as comfortable and quick as possible for your child.
How is the socket treated after the tooth is removed?
After the tooth is removed, the socket (the hole where the tooth was) is cleaned out to encourage quick and healthy healing.
What happens to the tooth after it’s pulled?
The tooth is typically cleaned, packaged, and given to the parent so it’s ready for the Tooth Fairy!
Space Maintenance
Why might my child need a space maintainer after an extraction?
If a baby tooth is removed years before the permanent replacement tooth is ready to erupt, a space maintainer is necessary. It prevents the neighboring teeth from drifting or “collapsing” into the empty space.
What is a space maintainer?
A space maintainer is a fixed retainer—a small device made of stainless steel—that is cemented to an adjacent tooth. It holds the proper space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come through.
How long does the space maintainer stay in place?
The maintainer will stay cemented in the mouth until the desired permanent tooth begins to erupt. At that time, it will be removed by Dr. Church or an orthodontist.