Curative therapies
Tooth extraction and space maintainers for kids in Kharghar
We always try to save a tooth first. Sometimes a tooth is too damaged, infected or crowded to keep, and taking it out is the kindest choice. When a baby tooth goes early, a small space maintainer keeps the gap open so the adult tooth has room to arrive.
Only when it is needed, and followed by a plan for the space it leaves.
- Always
- Parents stay in the room, from hello to goodbye
When an extraction may be advised
Taking a tooth out is never the first choice. It may come up when:
A tooth is too decayed to repair, or an infection cannot be treated.
A tooth was badly broken in a fall or accident.
A baby tooth will not loosen while the adult tooth is coming in behind it.
Teeth are very crowded, and an orthodontic plan calls for making room.
A tooth is causing repeated pain or swelling.
How the visit goes
Explain and plan
We talk through what will happen, in words your child understands, and agree the plan with you first.
Numb the area
A numbing gel goes on first, then the area is numbed so your child feels pressure but not pain. Laughing gas is available too.
Remove the tooth
The tooth is taken out gently and quickly, and the area is cared for.
Protect the space
If a baby tooth has gone early, we may fit a space maintainer so the adult tooth keeps its place.
In detail
Extraction and space maintainers, explained
Why a space maintainer matters
Baby teeth hold a place for the adult teeth. If one is lost early, the neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap, and the adult tooth may then come in crooked or get stuck.
A space maintainer is a small appliance that keeps the gap open until the adult tooth is ready to appear. Not every extraction needs one, and we will tell you if your child does.
Living with a space maintainer
Most children get used to it within a few days. It needs gentle care, because sticky food can pull on it, and it needs regular checks as the mouth grows.
- Avoid chewing gum, toffees and very sticky sweets.
- Brush around it carefully, twice a day.
- Tell us at once if it feels loose or comes off.
- Come to the checkups we suggest, so it can be adjusted or removed at the right time.
Aftercare at home
- Gently bite on the gauze until bleeding stops.
- Wait for the numbness to wear off before eating, and watch that they do not chew their lip.
- Keep to soft, cool food for the rest of the day, and avoid straws.
- Brush as normal, avoiding the area for the first day.
- Call us if bleeding does not stop, or swelling and fever develop.
Questions, answered
If yours is not here, call the clinic and ask. Nothing about a child’s teeth or comfort is too small to check.
Call +91 96190 00971Will my child feel pain during an extraction?
The area is numbed first, so your child should feel pressure and not pain. Afterwards it may be tender for a day or two.
Does every extracted baby tooth need a space maintainer?
No. It depends on which tooth it was, the child’s age and how the other teeth are placed. Dr. Nupur will look at the whole mouth and advise.
Can my child have an extraction under laughing gas?
Yes. Laughing gas can help an anxious child stay calm while awake, and we can talk about it beforehand.
How long does a space maintainer stay in?
Until the adult tooth is ready to come through. We check on it at regular visits and decide together when it should come out.
Is it better to leave a loose baby tooth to fall out?
Usually, yes, if it is healthy and already wobbling. Come and see us if it is stuck, painful or the adult tooth is coming in behind it.