Extractions

Kid and Child focused Dentist In Grand Blanc MI

You and Dr. Ratliff and Dr. Smith may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have infections, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Ratliff and Dr. Smith will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction the doctor will numb your child’s tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.  We will prepare your child using kid-friendly terms and explain in words they will understand. We encourage you to not attempt to describe the procedure as it will only increase fear and anxiety. Avoid words like “give you a shot” or “pull your teeth.”  We will frequently use terms such as “dancing tooth” or “wiggling your tooth.”  Many children are unaware of the tooth being removed until we are done and they are handed their prize for the tooth fairy.

Prior to your appointment:

  1. Please inform us of any change to our child’s health
  2. Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide.
  3. Let us know if your child is taking any medications on the day of the appointment.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. We will ensure your child’s bleeding has stopped before they leave but they will likely have pink salvia.  If bleeding resumes after you leave, biting on a warm wet washcloth, gauze or paper towel for 5-10 minutes with stop the flow.

Please follow the individualized post operative instructions provided by our Team Members.

Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days your child should feel fine. If they have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

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Our Office is Open: Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
We are closed the 1st Friday of Every Month for Team Meetings.

Grand Blanc Pediatric Dentistry

5 out of 5 stars based on 3 Tooth Extractions reviews

Patient Testimonial By Sarah B

Great facility and wonderful staff!

- Sarah B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Janet D

This appointment was for my 1 year old son Cody .. he had a cracked tooth and they had to pull it .. They all was very nice and very good to me and my son ! The doc actually took the time to play with my son to make him his feel comfortable and safe with her .. my son let her take him from me and I knew he would be ok even tho I still cry like a baby lol .. but I just wanted to take this time to say THANK YOU !! So much to all u ladies and to his doc today .. He even got a nickname peanut lol .. I’m proud to say my son now has a dentist to for to ! Thanks again for everything! You guys are the BEST!!!

- Janet D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Meghann S

I take all my children here. After a bad experience at another pediatric office, my kids hated the dentist. Since we switched to GBPD my kids don’t scream or cry when it’s time to go to the dentist!

- Meghann S

5 out of 5 stars on