Oral treatments

Reasons for children to have tooth extraction

  • Gross decay is found on a tooth which cannot be repaired or does not need to repair
  • For the needs of orthodontic treatment

  • For the tooth which may cause other tooth or general health problems

    Photograph showing a tooth requiring removal for orthodontic needs.

    Photograph of an arrow pointing downwards to indicate what comes next.

    Photograph showing the removal of the tooth for orthodontic needs.

    Photograph of an arrow pointing downwards to indicate what comes next.

    Photograph showing the lower teeth under orthodontic treatment with applicances.

Procedures

  1. Apply local anaesthesia to let the teeth and oral tissues to get numb

  2. Use dental tools to take the tooth out

    Animation showing the use of dental instruments to loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket.
  3. Tightly bite on a piece of gauze or cotton roll to help stop bleeding

Points to note after extraction

On the day after extraction, you should

  • Not rinse your mouth vigorously
  • Not disturb the wound with your tongue or fingers
  • Not do heavy exercise
  • Take pain control medication as recommended

Discomfort after extraction

Generally speaking, the wound will gradually heal in few days after the extraction. If discomfort persists, you should ask your parents to bring you to the dentist for a detailed check-up.