Primary Tooth Extractions
Extraction of primary teeth: when it is necessary and how to protect your child's dentition
Extraction of primary teeth is a common procedure in paediatric dentistry, indicated when the primary tooth cannot be preserved by restorative treatment or when its presence compromises the development of the permanent dentition.
The decision to extract is always carefully considered, and preservation of the tooth is favoured wherever possible.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, primary tooth extractions are carried out using child-adapted techniques, under local anaesthesia, and with planning that includes assessment of the need for space maintenance to protect the alignment of the permanent teeth.
If your child has tooth pain, an infected primary tooth, or a tooth that has not shed at the expected time, book an assessment appointment.
The decision to extract is always carefully considered, and preservation of the tooth is favoured wherever possible.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, primary tooth extractions are carried out using child-adapted techniques, under local anaesthesia, and with planning that includes assessment of the need for space maintenance to protect the alignment of the permanent teeth.
Technology Supporting Primary Tooth Extraction
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, planning for primary tooth extraction is supported by digital imaging examinations that allow assessment of the root condition, the position of the underlying permanent tooth, and the need for space maintenance.
Diagnosis with Periapical Radiograph
The digital periapical radiograph allows detailed assessment of the primary tooth root condition, the presence of periapical infection, and the position of the underlying permanent tooth germ. This examination is essential for determining whether extraction is necessary and for planning the procedure safely.
Panoramic Assessment with Orthopantomogram
The digital panoramic X-ray provides an overall view of the child's entire dental arch and allows assessment of the developmental stage of the permanent teeth, their position, and the degree of root resorption of the primary teeth. This examination is essential for planning extractions and determining whether space maintenance may be required.
Caries Detection with Bitewing Radiographs
Bitewing radiographs are used to assess the extent of interproximal caries in primary teeth and to determine whether the tooth can be restored or whether extraction is the most appropriate option. They are an important complement to clinical decision-making.
“Extracting a primary tooth is always a last resort. When it is necessary, we plan each case individually to ensure that the space and alignment of the permanent dentition are protected. The child's future oral health begins with responsible clinical decisions today.”
When is it necessary to extract a primary tooth and how is the procedure carried out?
Extraction of primary teeth is indicated in clinical situations where preservation of the primary tooth is no longer possible, or where its presence is detrimental to the development of the child's dentition.
The decision is made based on clinical assessment and imaging examinations, and is always discussed with the parents.
The most common indications for primary tooth extraction include:
- extensive decay that does not allow restoration,
- periapical infection that does not respond to endodontic treatment,
- primary teeth that have not shed at the expected time and are preventing the eruption of the permanent tooth,
- teeth with abnormal root resorption, and
- impacted or supernumerary teeth.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia, quickly and in a controlled manner.
In paediatric dentistry, behavioural management techniques are used to ensure the child feels safe and comfortable during the procedure.
After the extraction, the dentist assesses the need for a space maintainer — a device that preserves the space in the arch so that the permanent tooth erupts in the correct position.
The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends assessment of space maintenance whenever a primary tooth is lost prematurely.
What our patients say
My son's primary tooth was infected and there was no other option. The extraction was quick, he felt no pain and the recovery was very good.
Fernando Cardoso
The dentist explained why extraction was necessary and fitted a space maintainer. We were reassured knowing the space for the permanent tooth was protected.
Marta Ramos
I was very worried about my son's reaction, but the team was exceptional. The extraction went well and he was back to playing on the same day.
Luís Dinis
4 Steps to Your Child's Primary Tooth Extraction
Primary tooth extraction at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo follows a structured protocol, from clinical assessment through to post-extraction monitoring, to protect the development of your child's dentition.
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Clinical Assessment and Imaging
The dentist carries out a clinical examination and requests imaging, such as a periapical radiograph or panoramic X-ray, to assess the condition of the primary tooth, the position of the underlying permanent tooth, and the complexity of the extraction. The diagnosis and treatment plan are presented to the parents.
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Preparation and anaesthesia
The child is prepared for the procedure using a behaviour management approach appropriate to their age. Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure the extraction is painless and comfortable. Parents are informed about what to expect during the procedure.
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Extraction of the primary tooth
The extraction is performed in a controlled manner using instruments adapted to the child's oral cavity. The dentist removes the tooth carefully to avoid any damage to the adjacent tissues and the underlying permanent tooth bud.
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Post-extraction care and space maintenance
After the extraction, parents receive guidance on aftercare for the following days: diet, oral hygiene and warning signs. When indicated, a space maintainer is placed to preserve the space in the arch and protect the alignment of the permanent dentition.
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Clinical Assessment and Imaging
The dentist carries out a clinical examination and requests imaging, such as a periapical radiograph or panoramic X-ray, to assess the condition of the primary tooth, the position of the underlying permanent tooth, and the complexity of the extraction. The diagnosis and treatment plan are presented to the parents.
0
Preparation and anaesthesia
The child is prepared for the procedure using a behaviour management approach appropriate to their age. Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure the extraction is painless and comfortable. Parents are informed about what to expect during the procedure.
0
Extraction of the primary tooth
The extraction is performed in a controlled manner using instruments adapted to the child's oral cavity. The dentist removes the tooth carefully to avoid any damage to the adjacent tissues and the underlying permanent tooth bud.
0
Post-extraction care and space maintenance
After the extraction, parents receive guidance on aftercare for the following days: diet, oral hygiene and warning signs. When indicated, a space maintainer is placed to preserve the space in the arch and protect the alignment of the permanent dentition.
Everything you need to know about primary tooth extractions
Primary teeth serve essential functions during childhood: they allow chewing, are important for speech, and above all, they maintain the space necessary for the correct eruption of the permanent teeth.
For this reason, extraction of a primary tooth is always considered a last resort, when conservative treatments are not viable.
The premature loss of a primary tooth, before the natural time of shedding, can have consequences for the development of the dentition.
Adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, reducing the space available for the permanent tooth and compromising the alignment of the dental arch.
For this reason, when extraction is unavoidable, assessing the need for space maintenance is a fundamental step.
Space maintainers are devices that preserve the space in the arch after the premature loss of a primary tooth.
They may be fixed or removable, and are selected according to the location of the extracted tooth, the child's age, and the degree of development of the underlying permanent tooth.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually and clinical decisions are made together with the parents.
If your child has a primary tooth with pain, infection, or that is not falling out naturally, book an assessment appointment.
Main Indications for Primary Tooth Extraction
Primary tooth extraction is indicated in specific clinical situations where preservation of the tooth is not possible or safe.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually. Find out about the most common indications.
Extensive Caries with No Possibility of Restoration
When decay destroys most of the primary tooth structure and restoration with a conventional filling or paediatric crown is no longer possible, extraction is the indicated option to eliminate the infection and relieve pain.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the assessment includes a clinical examination and periapical X-ray to confirm the extent of the lesion and evaluate the condition of the underlying permanent tooth before extraction.
Periapical Infection Unresponsive to Treatment
When a primary tooth has an infection that does not respond to pulp treatment (pulpotomy or pulpectomy), or that compromises the development of the underlying permanent tooth, extraction is necessary to eliminate the source of infection.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, radiographic assessment is essential to monitor the response to treatment and determine the appropriate time for extraction, when this is the best option for the child's oral health.
Retained Primary Tooth Preventing Eruption of the Permanent Tooth
When a primary tooth has not shed naturally and is preventing the normal eruption of the underlying permanent tooth, its extraction allows the permanent tooth to erupt in the correct position.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, panoramic X-ray (OPG) is used to assess the position and degree of development of the permanent tooth and to plan the extraction safely.
Premature Loss and Need for Space Maintenance
When a primary tooth is extracted before its natural shedding time, it may be necessary to place a space maintainer to prevent the migration of adjacent teeth and protect the space for the permanent tooth.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the need for space maintenance is assessed in each case and the most appropriate device is selected according to the child's clinical situation.
Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, primary tooth extractions are carried out using digital imaging diagnostics, child-adapted techniques, and planning that protects the development of the permanent dentition.
Book your appointment
If your child has tooth pain, an infected primary tooth, or a tooth that is not falling out naturally, book an appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo
R. Vasco da Gama 6,
2130-197 Benavente, Portugal
Telephone: +351 263 516 773
Mobile: +351 919 366 534
geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt
Frequently Asked Questions
About Primary Tooth Extractions
When is it necessary to extract a primary tooth?
Extraction is indicated when a primary tooth has extensive decay that cannot be restored, an infection that does not respond to treatment, or when it is preventing the normal eruption of the permanent tooth. The decision is always made following a clinical assessment.
Is the extraction of primary teeth painful?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and is painless for the child. The team uses behavioural management techniques to ensure the child's comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
What happens if a primary tooth falls out too early?
The premature loss of a primary tooth can cause adjacent teeth to drift and reduce the space for the permanent tooth. For this reason, when indicated, a space maintainer is placed to preserve the alignment of the dental arch.
What is a space maintainer?
This is a device that preserves the space left by the premature loss of a primary tooth, so that the permanent tooth erupts in the correct position. It can be fixed or removable, depending on the clinical situation.
Do all primary tooth extractions require a space maintainer?
No. The need for space maintenance depends on the location of the extracted tooth, the child's age, and the degree of development of the underlying permanent tooth. The dentist assesses each case individually.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery is usually quick. The child may experience some discomfort in the first few hours, which is managed according to the dentist's guidance. In most cases, normal activities are resumed the same day.
Can a child eat after an extraction?
Yes, but a soft diet is recommended in the first few hours and very hot foods should be avoided. The dentist advises parents on dietary care in the following days.
Does extracting a primary tooth affect the permanent tooth?
When performed correctly and based on imaging examinations, extraction of a primary tooth does not affect the permanent tooth. On the contrary, in many cases it is necessary to allow healthy eruption of the permanent tooth.
Does the Dr. Paulo Cardozo Clinic carry out primary tooth extractions?
Yes. Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, performs primary tooth extractions with imaging diagnosis, child-friendly techniques, and assessment of the need for space maintenance. Book your appointment.
Clinical Rigour and International Standards
The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its paediatric dentistry practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), the World Health Organization — Oral Health, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD).
The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.