Tooth Extraction

Lawrence O'Mallon, DMD Our Services Tooth Extraction

Lawrence O'Mallon, DMD

Children's Dentist & Orthodontics located in Jersey City, NJ

Our first goal is to save your child's tooth, but if your child's tooth is too damaged to be saved with a dental restoration, your child may need a tooth extraction. Lawrence O’Mallon, DMD, is highly experienced in extracting teeth from children ensuring each one of his patients feels as comfortable as possible in his warm, friendly Jersey City, New Jersey, office. For more information on the tooth extraction process, call Dr. Lawrence O’Mallon today.

Tooth Extraction Q & A

What is a tooth extraction?

A tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth. There are many reasons Dr. O’Mallon may recommend an extraction for you, such as:

Tooth decay or trauma

If your child suffers from severe tooth decay or a sudden injury, it may be impossible to save the tooth. In this case, Dr. O’Mallon may recommend an immediate tooth extraction to prevent further damage in your mouth.

Tooth infection

Once tooth decay enters the tooth’s pulp chamber — the soft center inside of your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels — it can lead to a severe infection. When left untreated, the infection can spread, putting the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone at risk of infection. A tooth extraction may be your child's best when dental restorations are not an adequate option.

A crowded mouth

Your teeth may simply be too big for your mouth. To ensure your teeth remain straight and properly aligned, Dr. O’Mallon or Dr. Seiger may recommend a tooth extraction. This procedure is most often used for patients with teeth that have not had a chance to emerge through the gums.

What can I expect from a tooth extraction?

Before a tooth extraction, talk to Dr. O’Mallon about any condition you have that may put you or your childat risk of infection. Some conditions, although rare with children,  that increase a chance of infection include:

  • Liver disease
  • A damaged heart valve
  • Weak immune system
  • Endocarditis
  • Joint replacement surgery
  • Congenital heart defect

 

Tooth extraction is an extremely safe procedure, but your child may need to take antibiotics to lower their risk of developing a gum infection if any suffer from any of the above conditions. That’s why it’s important to talk to Dr. O’Mallon about your medical history and any medications taken before the extraction.

What happens after my tooth has been pulled?

Once your tooth has been extracted, you will be sent home to recover comfortably. After an extraction you may experience moderate discomfort. This can usually be handled with over the counter analgesics.

While you should experience very few, if any, side effects from your tooth extraction, Dr. O’Mallon recommends limiting physical activity for at least a day or two following the procedure. Call Dr. O’Mallon today to learn more.

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