Will My Child Need To Have Teeth Extracted Before Ortho Treatments?

Orthodontic treatment can correct a variety of painful dental problems, including crowded teeth, misalignment, and overbite. Before your child undergoes orthodontic treatment with braces, you may wonder if they need to have any teeth removed beforehand. Understanding when dental extractions are necessary and speaking to the professionals at MINT dentistry can help.

While tooth extraction may be a part of your dental ortho treatment plan in Dallas or Houston, TX, pulling teeth before braces is not always necessary. Contact our office to get a private assessment and consultation.

What is orthodontic treatment?

Almost all children have crooked teeth to a certain degree. So, what is orthodontic treatment? It is usually reserved for mild to severe cases of crooked or crowded teeth that interfere with their smile. When the teeth do not meet together correctly, for example, this places unnecessary pressure on the jaw. This can make simple actions, such as speaking or chewing food, more painful. Traditional metal braces at MINT dentistry improve the way the teeth bite down and make your child’s smile more beautiful.

When are extractions necessary?

Some children have smiles that are too crowded for braces. Extracting a tooth can make room for the remaining teeth to spread out evenly during treatment. Extraction can also make wearing braces more comfortable for your child. However, pulling teeth is not always necessary. Your dentist at MINT dentistry can perform an examination and develop a custom dental ortho treatment plan. If we believe extraction is needed, we can let you know what to expect in Dallas or Houston, TX.

What to expect from child tooth extraction

If the tooth has emerged from the gumline, it can be removed with a simple extraction. MINT dentistry uses a forceps-like tool to gently loosen and eventually dislodge the tooth. An impacted tooth that is partially or completely below the gumline requires a surgical extraction instead. Your dentist will need to open the gums in order to remove the tooth. Rest assured that both forms of extraction are performed under a form of anesthesia so your child will not feel any pain or discomfort.

How to prepare your child for tooth extraction

Pulling teeth before braces can be a scary experience for most kids. If your child is not prepared for tooth extraction, it can be both stressful and traumatizing. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help them before their dental procedure:

• Talk to your doctors about your sedation options, so your child knows what to expect

• Listen to your child’s concerns and reassure them that tooth removal will help their other teeth grow stronger

• Share information about what they may see and feel, so they are not surprised

• Bring comfort items to their appointments, such as their favorite toys or dolls

Find an orthodontist near me

So, what is orthodontic treatment, and does it always require a tooth extraction? If you have questions about braces in Dallas or Houston, TX, contact the team at MINT dentistry. As a general rule, we will not recommend pulling teeth before braces unless it is absolutely necessary. If you prefer to avoid extractions and talk about alternative solutions for your child, we are more than happy to discuss them. We are proud to give children straighter, healthier smiles they can enjoy for years to come.