The primary reasons for baby tooth extractions include infections, decay, injuries, and overcrowding.

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Is There Ever A Reason to Extract a Baby Tooth? Won't They Just Fall Out?
It may seem surprising, but there are times when a baby tooth must be extracted. As primary (“baby”)
teeth are important to a child’s dental development, every
effort is made to avoid extracting them, but there are
situations in which it is unavoidable. The primary reasons for
baby tooth extractions include infections, decay, injuries, and
overcrowding.
Baby tooth extractions might be appropriate in the following
cases:
 A severe infection or injury to the tooth (for example, if the tooth is forced into the jaw from a
blow or a fall) may cause damage to the underlying adult tooth as well, leading to a necessary
extraction of the baby tooth.
 If an injury to the tooth causes damage or death of its nerves and blood vessels, extraction may
be necessary.
 If crowding occurs while adult teeth are growing in, the extraction of baby teeth can facilitate
the entry of adult teeth and may even prevent the need for orthodontics in the future.
 If a tooth has decay (cavities) so extensive that it cannot be repaired by a filling, the tooth may
need to be extracted.
 Decay can also lead to infection or abscess of the root of the tooth, also resulting in the need to
extract the tooth.
What are the risks and complications of baby tooth extraction?
While most extractions go smoothly and require only local anesthetics, there are some possible
complications and problems that can result from baby tooth extraction, including the following:
 The extraction allows adjacent teeth to gradually move into the empty spaces, which can affect
the normal eruption of the adult teeth later on.
 Your dentist can provide a device to help maintain the spaces where they should be, if needed.
 Pain - once the local anesthetic wears off, there may be mild and temporary pain. It can usually
be managed with over-the-counter medications.
 Bleeding – some bleeding can also occur in the hours and days after the extraction. Bleeding can
be managed by placing gauze in the space and pressing down for about 10 minutes.

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 The local anesthetic may lead to children biting or rubbing the numbed area without realizing
they are causing damage. Children should be supervised until feeling has been restored.
What after-care is needed once a baby tooth has been extracted?
It is important that children be supervised after a tooth extraction, as there are potential problems that
can occur that children won’t be able to handle on their own:
 Children must avoid biting or sucking on the lips or cheeks while still numb, as they could
damage their mouths without realizing it.
 Excessive physical activity should be avoided on the day of the extraction, in order to prevent
dislodging the clot and causing bleeding.
 Children should be advised never to place fingers, pencils, or any other object in the mouth after
an extraction.
 Children should avoid eating sharp or crunchy foods such as chips or crackers for up to 3 days
after an extraction.
The decision whether or not to extract a baby tooth is one best made in consultation with your dentist,
so feel free to ask any questions you may have before deciding on the best course of action for your
child. If your child is older, you may wish to include him or her in the decision as well. More information
can be found at adventuredental.com or by calling (360) 604-9000.