Tooth extractions can be difficult to manage for people of any age, but especially for children. The procedure itself shouldn’t be all that much of a problem, but managing aftercare and healing well can be a little bit of a challenge for some kids.
If your child has a tooth extraction coming up, here’s how you can help them deal with the healing process.
The Day Of
When you’re driving your child home from the dentist’s office, their mouth will still be numb and any sedatives they took will still be wearing off. It’s important that they don’t accidentally bite their tongue or burn their mouth without feeling it, so it’s usually a good idea to avoid giving your child anything that they have to chew, or that’s scalding hot.
They’ll also have a piece of gauze used to stop bleeding, which you can check after around 45 minutes. If your child is still bleeding, you can swap the bandage by dampening a fresh piece of gauze with some warm water.
Protecting the Clot
In the days after the procedure, the most important aspect of healing is ensuring that the clot for the extraction wound stays secure. Without it, the bone and nerve tissue can become exposed, causing a condition known as dry socket.
To protect this clot, people should avoid suction that can pull the clot out of place. Straws, for one, need to be avoided entirely. It may be a good idea to also keep your child away from chewy or gummy foods that can disturb the healing process.
Soothing Discomfort
Tooth extraction wounds can be more than a little uncomfortable for quite a while after the initial treatment. If you want to help your child feel a little better, there are few things you can try. For one, over-the-counter pain relievers can be massively helpful; just be sure that you’re using the correct dosage for your child’s age.
You can also have your child use a cold compress on the wound to bring down any pain or swelling. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and have them hold it against their face for 20 minutes at a time to ease any discomfort they’re feeling.
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele has been working in dentistry for nearly 30 years. She loves nothing more than being able to help children smile, and make them feel like the star of the show! Dr. Linda received her doctorate from the Texas A&M Health Science Center at Dallas School of Dentistry, and completed her pediatric residency at the Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City, MO.
If you have any questions about tooth extractions, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (972) 315-3355.