Free Dental Directory of Diseases, Aliments and Solutions

Treating vs Pulling Baby Teeth:

It is very important to keep baby teeth as long as possible. Besides providing chewing ability during childhood, baby teeth help a child learn to speak.  They also guide the permanent teeth into their correct positions.  Remember, too, that kids are often embarrassed by how they look after their teeth are pulled.

Early treatment of baby teeth helps prevent many more ( and bigger) problems such as cavities, abscesses, and loss of space between teeth.

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Arrival Of Permanent Teeth:

There is very little need for concern about the timing of when the child's baby teeth begin to be replaced by their permanent teeth.  What is considered the 'normal' period for losing baby teeth varies with each child.  You should ask your dentist to look at your child's baby teeth to make sure that they are not blocking the growth of permanent teeth and that all of the child's permanent teeth are developing normally.

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Pulling Crowded Baby Teeth:

Removing baby teeth isn't always the answer, although crowding may occasionally be relieved by extracting permanent teeth.  Crowding can occur because the permanent teeth, not the baby teeth, are too big for the available space in the jawbone.  Extracting baby teeth can create problems that are more difficult to correct later. Discuss the problem with your Dentist about other options.  

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Child's New Tooth Coming In Behind Baby Tooth:

To make sure that there is not any abnormal crowding when the permanent tooth comes in behind a baby tooth, which can sometimes be corrected by extracting the baby tooth, have your child's dentist evaluate the situation.

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Baby Teeth Pulpotomies (removal of the upper part of the pulp):

Extraction may be a smart and less expensive choice if your child's new permanent teeth will be coming in very soon.  A space maintainer can keep the remaining teeth straight until a permanent tooth appears.  However, a pulpotomy leaves the tooth in the child's mouth to help them chew, maintains their appearance and also helps keep the remaining teeth straight.

Make sure you explore all of your options with your Dentist.  To address your concerns about the cost of treatment, most Dentists will gladly discuss payment plans for dental services.  Also, note that many cities have clinics that provide low-cost dental services.  If you are fortunate enough to be in a city with a dental school, contact the school to learn about having your child treated by professionally-monitored dental students.

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