You might wonder why baby teeth need to be removed. Cavities are gradual decay in a tooth. Untreated cavities can turn into an abscess and get infected. A tooth is a part of the body, and if that infection spreads there can be severe consequences.
First, the infection spreads to the gums, causing a disease called gingivitis. The symptoms include the child’s gums becoming red, sore, and swollen! This is common in children and can be easily treated with increased dental hygiene and visits to a dentist. If not treated, however, the infection will continue to worsen and spread.
The infection can get into the bloodstream and in extreme cases, it can cause death. These high levels of bacteria also increase the risk of heart disease later in life.
With all of those risks, it is essential that young children brush and floss daily. If they do get cavities, they need to get their cavities treated in a timely manner.
How do I know if my child needs to see a dentist?
Preventive dental care is always better than waiting until there is a problem to see the dentist. After a cavity has grown it will require more extensive care and could lead to tooth extraction. It is better to have regular visits with a dentist (every 6 months). During these visits they will clean your child’s teeth, check for cavities, and help prevent tooth decay.
You can also encourage oral hygiene at home. A child should brush their teeth morning and night and floss once a day. If your child is having pains in their mouth, has red gums, or obvious signs of tooth decay make an appointment to see your dentist before it becomes worse.
If the problem is severe it may require tooth extraction or reconstruction. These procedures can be scary for children and they may benefit from receiving treatment under General Anesthesia. In that case your dentist may refer you and your child to a hospital or surgery center.
What we do:
Our Surgery Center was created to help you get the treatment you or your child needs, in a timely manner, at an affordable price. We also want you to have the best experience possible with minimal stress. Our anesthesia providers carefully monitor each patient’s entire surgery carefully regulating your child’s anesthesia levels to make sure they are safe while the dentist does their work.
The dentist is able to complete all of the work in a single visit, and the patient won’t even remember it! It’s a great solution to avoid both the risk of infection from untreated cavities and the fear or anxiety that children may face when visiting the dentist.
If you or someone you love needs general anesthesia for dental surgery in Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland, please call us at (240) 691-4844.
