ChilDREN’S TOOTH Extractions  Upper Westside Manhattan

You and Dr. Dewundara, Dr. Doan, Dr. Kim, Dr. Tan, Dr. Goldman or Dr. Hewson may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. 

Kids’ Tooth Extractions

Sometimes a child’s tooth may need to be removed to prevent bodily spread of a dental infection, or support proper tooth & jaw development. At our office, we provide gentle, safe tooth extractions for children in a calm and comfortable environment. Our team takes extra care to help kids feel relaxed and supported throughout the visit.

Reasons a Child May Need an Extraction

• Severe tooth decay or infection – if left untreated, dental infections can spread throughout the bloodstream and require hospitalization 
• Baby teeth that won’t fall out naturally
• Crowding before orthodontic treatment
• Broken or damaged teeth
• Impacted teeth

The Process of Children’s Tooth Extractions

Our team as Westside Family Dental Group is committed to making the extraction as stress-free as possible. We take the time to explain each step and ensure you and your child feel comfortable.

Step 1: Examination & Treatment Planning

The process begins with a thorough dental exam and digital X-rays. This allows the dentist to evaluate the tooth, surrounding bone, and overall oral health. We will discuss why the extraction is needed and review all treatment options with you.

Step 2: Preparing Your Child

Before the procedure, we explain things in child-friendly terms. For example, depending on the age, Dr. Amanda avoids using the term “shot” or “needle” and instead says “sleepy juice”; “tooth wiggle” instead of “pulling out a tooth”, and so on.  We find this makes a big impact on a child’s experience, still informing of all steps yet with different language. 
Overall:
1. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth 
2. Optional: Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas” or “ice cream air”), which enhances relaxation of the body and mind.

Step 3: Gentle Tooth Removal

Once the area is fully numb, the dentist carefully loosens and removes the tooth using specialized instruments designed for precision and comfort. Baby teeth are often removed quickly compared to adult teeth.

Step 4: Immediate Aftercare

After the extraction, gauze is placed over the area to help stop bleeding (keep biting down!) and encourage good clot formation. Sometimes, we’ll give your child an ice cold popsicle to help with tolerating numbness. 
Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including:

• Eating soft foods
• Avoiding straws or vigorous rinsing for ~1 day
• Keeping the area clean
• Managing mild discomfort with recommended pain relief medications 

Step 5: Healing & Recovery

Most children recover quickly, within a few hours.  Mild soreness is normal, but serious discomfort is uncommon. We encourage parents to monitor healing and contact our office if there are any concerns.

Gentle Care for Growing Smiles

Our goal is to provide compassionate care while protecting your child’s long-term oral health. If you have questions about children’s tooth extractions or would like to schedule an appointment, our team is here to help.