Baby Tooth Extraction in Scarborough
Gentle care for children who need a baby tooth removed.
Most baby teeth fall out naturally as children grow. Sometimes, however, a baby tooth may need to be removed because of severe decay, infection, injury, or a problem with how the permanent teeth are developing.
At Dentistry at Sullivan, we examine your child’s tooth and the surrounding teeth before recommending an extraction. If removal is appropriate, we explain the procedure in simple, reassuring terms and help your child feel as comfortable as possible throughout the visit.
When Does a Baby Tooth Need to Be Removed?
A baby tooth may need to be removed when keeping it could cause ongoing problems or when the tooth cannot be reasonably treated.
Common reasons include:
Severe Decay or Infection
A badly decayed baby tooth may become painful or develop an infection. If the tooth cannot be restored or treated successfully, extraction may be recommended.
A Baby Tooth Is Not Falling Out
Sometimes a baby tooth remains in place while the permanent tooth begins to come through. If the baby tooth is blocking the normal path of the permanent tooth, the dentist may recommend removing it.
Dental Injury
A damaged baby tooth may sometimes be treated and monitored. If an injury causes significant damage or creates a risk to your child’s oral health, removal may be considered.
Crowding or Development Concerns
The position and development of your child’s permanent teeth can also affect the treatment decision. Your dentist may recommend an extraction when a baby tooth is interfering with normal tooth development or eruption.
If a baby tooth can be safely treated and kept, preserving it may be considered. Your child’s dentist will recommend an approach based on the tooth’s condition, your child’s age, the developing permanent tooth, and other clinical factors.
Can a Baby Tooth Be Saved Instead?
Extraction is not automatically the first option.
Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment may include:
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A filling for a tooth with manageable decay
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Pulpotomy to treat inflamed pulp while preserving the rest of the tooth
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Pulpectomy when the pulp of a primary tooth is no longer healthy, and root canal treatment is appropriate
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A dental crown to restore and protect a significantly damaged baby tooth
If your child may benefit from pulp treatment, learn more about Pulpotomy or Pulpectomy in Scarborough.
The best option depends on whether the tooth is restorable, the health of the pulp, your child’s overall dental needs, and the expected value of keeping the tooth.
If the tooth cannot be reasonably restored or keeping it could negatively affect your child’s oral health, extraction may be recommended.
What Happens During a Baby Tooth Extraction?
We take a gentle, step-by-step approach to help your child know what to expect.
1. Examination
The dentist examines the tooth and surrounding area. Dental X-rays may be recommended when they are clinically needed to understand the tooth, roots, or developing permanent tooth.
2. Getting Your Child Ready
We explain what will happen using simple, age-appropriate language. Taking time to answer questions can help your child feel more prepared.
3. Numbing the Area
A topical anesthetic may be used before local anesthetic to numb the area. The goal is to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
4. Removing the Tooth
Once the area is numb, the dentist carefully removes the baby tooth. Your child may feel pressure or movement, but they should not feel the sharp sensation of the procedure.
5. Aftercare
Your child may be asked to bite gently on gauze as directed to help with bleeding. We will provide aftercare instructions based on your child’s procedure.
How We Help Your Child Feel Comfortable
A dental extraction can sound intimidating to a child. We focus on creating a calm and supportive experience.
Our approach may include:
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Using child-friendly language
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Explaining each step before it happens
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Allowing time for questions
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Offering reassurance and appropriate distraction
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Taking previous dental experiences into account
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Using a gentle, patient approach
Dr. Sepideh Maleki and our dental team provide children’s dental care with attention to each child’s individual needs.
Learn more about our approach to Children’s Dentistry in Scarborough.
Baby Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After an extraction, follow the instructions provided by your child’s dentist. General aftercare may include:
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Keep gauze in place as directed if there is bleeding.
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Avoid hot foods and drinks while the mouth is still numb.
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Choose softer foods until your child is comfortable eating normally.
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Encourage your child not to poke, pick, or disturb the extraction site.
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Continue brushing and cleaning the teeth, taking care around the extraction area.
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If your child needs pain relief, use only medication and dosage recommended by your dentist or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Mild soreness can occur after an extraction. Your child’s dentist will explain what to expect and when to contact the office.
For additional information about children’s oral health and dental care, visit the Canadian Dental Association: Oral Health for Children.
If bleeding does not settle, pain becomes severe or continues to worsen, or you notice other concerning symptoms, contact your dental office for advice.
Does My Child Need a Space Maintainer?
Not every child who loses a baby tooth early needs a space maintainer.
When a baby tooth is removed earlier than expected, nearby teeth can sometimes move into the open space. This may reduce the room available for the permanent tooth.
A space maintainer is a dental appliance designed to help preserve space for a developing permanent tooth when appropriate.
Your dentist will consider factors such as:
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Which baby tooth was removed
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Your child’s age
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The position and development of the permanent tooth
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The amount of space available
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Your child’s overall dental development
If a space maintainer is appropriate, your dentist can explain the available options and how they are monitored.
Learn more about Space Maintainers in Scarborough.
Book Now or call us at 647 847 47 79
How Much Does Baby Tooth Extraction Cost?
The cost of baby tooth extraction can vary because every child and tooth is different.
Factors that may affect the cost include:
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Which tooth needs to be removed
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The complexity of the extraction
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Whether an examination or X-ray is needed
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Whether another treatment could save the tooth
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Whether a space maintainer or additional treatment is recommended
At Dentistry at Sullivan, we can explain the recommended treatment and associated costs before proceeding. If you have dental insurance, our team can also help you understand what information you may need to check your coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Not Sure If Your Child Needs an Extraction?
If your child has a painful, damaged, or infected baby tooth, our dental team can assess the tooth and help you understand the best next step.
Visit Dentistry at Sullivan at 3123 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough. Free parking is available at the back. We’re open Mon 10 AM–5 PM, Tue–Fri 10 AM–7 PM, and Sat 10 AM–5 PM.