Even though children lose their baby teeth, there are times when tooth extraction may still be necessary. The following are common signs that your child may need a tooth pulled.

Signs Your Child Needs a Tooth Extraction

1. Frequent Cavities

In addition to causing tooth sensitivity and pain, cavities in children can negatively affect their jawbone and cause periapical abscess and infection. If a filling or pulp treatment is not enough to restore a tooth, your dentist may want to perform a tooth extraction.

2. Trauma From Injury

Kids are rambunctious, have lots of energy, and often sustain facial injuries that cause teeth to chip or fracture. When this happens, a dentist will do what they can to fix the tooth, such as a root canal or apply a crown. If these options are not adequate, they may opt for tooth extraction.

3. Baby Teeth Do Not Fall Out

Your child’s baby teeth, also known as milk teeth, begin to fall out around six years old as permanent adult teeth grow in. But sometimes these teeth do not fall out when they are supposed to, which can cause overcrowding in the mouth. If your child’s milk teeth are still in place by age seven, tooth extraction may be necessary to encourage adult teeth to grow in.

4. Wisdom Teeth Start to Come In

Wisdom teeth typically begin to grow between ages 17 and 21; however, in some cases, they may emerge sooner. If your child is experiencing any pain, it may be because they have an impacted wisdom tooth that needs to be pulled. If left unexamined and treated, it can cause infection.

If you think your child may need a tooth extraction, contact Dr. Taylor Tohill at Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY. For nearly 40 years, this dental office has been providing dental care services for the entire family, including safe and comfortable tooth extraction. Visit their website to learn more, or call (606) 679-4450 to schedule an appointment today.