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Why Does Your Child Need a Tooth Extraction Before Getting Braces?

teen wearing bracesDid your child visit their orthodontist only to find out that they need teeth extracted before they’re able to get braces in Irving? During their initial consultation, their orthodontist will examine their mouth and determine what type of treatment they can benefit from straightening out their teeth. It’s not uncommon for teenagers and children to need some teeth extracted to make room in their mouth before their braces are placed, giving their existing teeth more room to achieve better results. Read on to learn why your child’s orthodontist is suggesting having some of their teeth extracted and how it can provide your teen with the best results.

Why is Extraction Necessary for My Teen?

When you take your child to visit their orthodontist for an initial consultation, they’ll take several X-rays of their mouth and conduct a visual examination to determine how severely their teeth are crowded. When they get braces, these teeth will slowly shift into their ideal positions, which are side-by-side; however, they need room to be able to do that.

While most orthodontist try to avoid having teeth extracted in Irving unless it’s absolutely necessary, there are some important reasons why they may suggest one for your child. These include:

  • The jaw isn’t large enough to house all of their teeth.
  • A tooth is misshapen or disproportionate to other teeth.
  • A tooth has decayed or become damage due to a bite problem.
  • Straightening teeth without removing some will create long-term issues.

Your orthodontist will conduct a careful analysis that should provide you with answers as to why a tooth extraction is necessary before treatment begins. You can also ask your orthodontist in Irving whether there are any possible alternatives they could suggest.

What Can My Child Expect From a Tooth Extraction Procedure?

Depending on whether your child’s teeth have erupted or not, the process can take place in one of two ways, either by being pulled, or surgically removed. When they’re pulled, their teeth extraction in Irving is less invasive and their tooth will simply be shifted in their mouth until it breaks free. For surgery, their dentist will first make sure they feel absolutely no pain by using a local anesthetic or sedation dentistry. They’ll reveal the tooth hidden beneath the gums by making a small incision and removing it.

How Long Until My Child Can Get Their Braces After Extraction?

After your child’s tooth extraction, their dentist will provide them with aftercare instructions so they make a speedy and comfortable recovery. For a day or two after their procedure, they’ll need to rest and use an ice pack to reduce any swelling, pain, and inflammation. It’s vital that they eat only liquids for the first few days, graduating to soft and solid foods further on in their recovery period. Depending on your child’s situation and what type of removal they had, their orthodontist may recommend getting braces soon after their extraction or waiting until their gums have healed more.

If you’re concerned about your child having a tooth extracted, there’s no need to worry. After a detailed inspection of their mouth conducted by their orthodontist and an explanation of the process, they’ll have nothing to fear. With a tooth extraction before their orthodontic treatment, they’ll be able to achieve beautiful results that will last a lifetime.

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You can play a part in preparing your child for his or her first visit to our office. Informing your child of the visit as an exciting experience for both of you can ease any hesitations. As a parent try to act relaxed, since your child may sense any anxiety on your part.

Explain to your child that the doctor will “count, brush, and maybe take pictures of their teeth”. We also ask that you assume the role of a silent observer. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between the doctor, staff, and your child and not through you. Your child may become confused if receiving instructions from multiple sources.

We recommend bringing your baby in for their first dental appointment by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing (whichever comes first). During this appointment, we will examine your baby’s mouth to track their dental development and discuss age-appropriate dental care.

It’s easy to make appointments to visit our office online or over the phone. Rio Dental sees patients both for checkups and dental emergencies. Using our online scheduler, you can select the location and time slot that works best for you for either type of appointment. If you have any questions regarding our practice, or simply prefer to make your appointment with a live member of staff, please don’t hesitate to call!

Rio Dental Group accepts most PPO insurances. We recommend that new patients and returning patients with new insurance policies reach out to us before their appointment to confirm coverage. Our Fort Worth location also sees patients who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP programs.

We don’t like surprises, either! Our staff is prepared to discuss the cost of dental services before you undergo treatment so that you know what to expect in terms of fees. The cost of your services will be due at the end of your appointment. Our office accepts payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Rio Dental Group allows patients to pay with their CareCredit card. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed to cover out-of-pocket costs at over 225,000 providers nationwide. After leaving the office, card holders will be able to make convenient monthly payments towards their balance. To learn more, visit the CareCredit website.

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