Extractions

Gentle Tooth Extractions in Lower East Side, NYC

Compassionate Pediatric Dental Care at Kidz Smile Pediatric Dentistry

At Kidz Smile Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s comfort and well-being are always our highest priorities. While our goal is to preserve every healthy tooth, there are situations where a dental extraction becomes the best option to protect your child’s oral health and support proper development.

Here are the most common reasons we may recommend a pediatric tooth extraction:

Over-Retained Baby Teeth

Typically, baby teeth fall out naturally to make room for permanent teeth. However, sometimes they don’t loosen and fall out on schedule. This may be due to the roots not resorbing properly or the tooth becoming fused to the bone (ankylosed). When this occurs, it can interfere with proper tooth alignment and jaw development. We monitor your child’s growth closely and will recommend an extraction if it helps the permanent tooth erupt correctly.

Severe Tooth Decay

Tooth decay may begin as a small issue but can quickly progress and compromise a tooth’s structure. If a cavity has caused too much damage—especially if it affects the tooth’s nerve or causes an infection—restoration may no longer be an option. In such cases, an extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications and safeguard your child’s overall oral health.

Dental Trauma

Accidents can lead to chips, cracks, or even fractures in teeth. If the trauma has compromised too much of the tooth’s structure and it can’t be repaired, extraction may be the only safe solution to prevent infection and discomfort.

Overcrowded Teeth

Some children have more teeth than their jaws can comfortably accommodate. This overcrowding can affect both appearance and bite function. In preparation for orthodontic treatment, we may recommend the extraction of certain teeth to help achieve a healthy, aligned smile.

Does a Tooth Extraction Hurt?

We understand that dental procedures can feel intimidating to kids and parents alike. During an extraction, we carefully numb the area with local anesthesia so your child should only feel pressure—not pain. For children who feel anxious or need more complex care, we offer sedation options to help them feel calm and at ease.

What Happens After the Extraction?

After the anesthetic wears off, your child may feel some tenderness or soreness in the treated area. This discomfort is usually mild and short-lived. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage it, and we’ll provide you with clear post-operative care instructions to support quick, smooth healing.