Learn more about pain-free shots at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry.
When your child has a tooth that is causing pain, showing signs of serious decay, or simply refusing to let go on its own, it can be hard to know whether waiting is the right call. Every parent wants to avoid unnecessary procedures, but there are moments when a tooth extraction is the safest path forward for your child’s oral health and long-term development. Understanding what leads to that recommendation and what the process actually looks like can make the whole experience feel a lot less daunting.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lake Oswego, we approach every extraction with the same care and gentleness we bring to every other visit. Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD, completed her pediatric specialty training at Oregon Health and Science University and holds memberships with the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Our Lake Oswego office, located at 15962 Boones Ferry Rd, Suite 208, is designed with your child’s comfort in mind, from adjustable lighting to weighted blankets, movie watching during treatment, and even visits from Meyers, our friendly in-office dog who has a gift for putting nervous kids at ease.
Our team always explores every option to preserve a tooth before recommending removal. Extraction is considered when saving the tooth is no longer in the best interest of your child’s overall oral health. The most common reasons we see include the following.
Our extractions service is designed with your child’s comfort in mind at every step, from the initial consultation through the healing process.
We begin with a thorough evaluation, including X-rays, to understand the position of the tooth and any structures nearby. From there, we numb the area with a local anesthetic so your child does not feel pain during the procedure. Depending on your child’s age, temperament, and the complexity of the case, we may also discuss sedation options to help them stay comfortable and relaxed throughout.
Once the area is numb, the tooth is gently loosened and removed. Most simple extractions take just a few minutes. Our team talks your child through each moment using behavior guidance techniques designed specifically for pediatric patients, the kind of calm, child-centered approach that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s guidance on pediatric oral surgery supports as foundational to positive care experiences. Children who feel anxious can choose to watch a movie during the procedure, and Meyers is always happy to say hello before an appointment gets started. After the procedure, we walk you through home care instructions so recovery goes smoothly.
The first 24 hours after an extraction are the most important for healing. We provide detailed post-op care instructions tailored to your child’s age and specific procedure. In general, parents should expect some mild swelling or tenderness, which typically resolves within a day or two. Soft foods are recommended for the first couple of days, and your child should avoid rinsing vigorously or using straws right after the procedure to protect the healing site.
If a baby tooth is removed earlier than expected, we may recommend a space maintainer to hold the gap open and guide the permanent tooth into the correct position. Without one, neighboring teeth can drift into the space over time, which can make it harder for the adult tooth to come in properly and increase the likelihood of orthodontic treatment down the road. We review this on a case-by-case basis and always explain the reasoning so you can make a confident, informed decision about your child’s care.
Families in the Lake Oswego area now have a dedicated pediatric dental home right in their community. Dr. T, as many of our younger patients call her, brings years of pediatric specialty training to every procedure we perform, and our team is built around making dental visits something kids actually look forward to. We also have an on-call dentist available after hours for urgent concerns, so you are never without support when something comes up unexpectedly. We welcome patients from infancy through adolescence and are proud to serve the Lake Oswego community from our office at 15962 Boones Ferry Rd, Suite 208.
If your child may need an extraction or you would like a second opinion on a tooth that has been causing concern, we are here to help. Contact our Lake Oswego office to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward getting your child the care they need.
15962 Boones Ferry Rd, Suite 208
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
We’re so excited to share that Dr. Tesha and the Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry team are opening a second location this July! We’re bringing the same warm, kid-friendly care families know and love — now closer to Lake Oswego. Stay tuned for more details!
