Tooth Extractions in San Francisco
At Mission Bay Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that hearing your child may need a tooth pulled can be stressful. That is why we approach pediatric tooth extractions with extra care, using the latest technology and a calm, comforting environment to make the experience as smooth and positive as possible.
What Is a
Pediatric Tooth Extraction?
A pediatric tooth extraction is the removal of a baby or permanent tooth that cannot remain in the mouth due to decay, infection, trauma, or crowding. While we always try to save a tooth when we can, there are times when removing it is the healthiest choice. Whether your child has a stubborn baby tooth that just won’t budge or needs a tooth removed to make space for orthodontic treatment, Dr. Erin Shah takes a gentle, kid-focused approach to make the procedure quick, safe, and as worry-free as possible.
We use advanced techniques, including SOAN electronic local anesthesia, to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the visit.
Gift Your child a healthy smile with our
In-House Savings Plan
In-House Savings Plan
Comfort Comes First
We use advanced numbing techniques to keep your child relaxed and comfortable from start to finish.
+ We offer calming nitrous oxide that we can scent in your child’s favorite ice cream flavor. The nitrous oxide (also known sometimes as laughing gas) imparts a feeling of calm and well-being to an anxious child while providing mild pain relief. The action of the gas is short term, so within 5-10 minutes a child can resume normal activities with minimal to no side effects.
+ Topical pre-numbing is applied to the area. Dr. Shah uses a fruit-flavored formulation of topical anesthesia compounded at a pharmacy specifically for its strength and efficacy for children.
+ We are one of the few offices to offer the latest in comfort technology for kids: SOAN electronic local anesthesia. The SOAN allows us to deliver profound comfort to the area, without the entire jaw, cheek or lips getting numb. This means a child avoids that awful fat lip feeling. and can resume normal activities immediately after their visit, without us worrying about them biting their cheek or lip. The numbing process itself is nearly imperceptible, and the device looks like a thermometer so the entire experience is easier for your child than what was achievable in the past.
+ Amenities like sunglasses, a cozy blanket, fidget toys, and their favorite movie or show help kids relax and focus on something fun and positive.
Tooth Extractions
We explain every step in friendly, age-appropriate terms so your child feels safe and in control. If you are not sure how to “prepare” your child, let our team take the lead. We explain things step-by-step using friendly terms and avoid trigger words that could put a kid on edge.
We offer personalized aftercare guidance to help your child heal quickly and get back to smiling. We also take the time to check in at the end of the day to make sure they are recovering without incident and to answer any questions you have. We feel your child is worth going the extra mile.
At Mission Bay Pediatric Dentistry, extractions are only recommended when absolutely necessary—and always done with your child’s comfort in mind. Dr. Shah will walk you through every step of the process, answer your questions, and provide gentle guidance to help you and your child feel confident in your decision.
We take the time to explain what to expect for you and your child, so you and your child can feel empowered and confident. We avoid triggering words like “pain,” “shot,” “needle” and “yank” (and suggest you do as well!). These words even make grown-ups anxious – there is a better way!
Our team uses state-of-the-art tools and techniques to make extractions fast, effective, and as comfortable as possible. And with SOAN electronic local anesthesia, many of our young patients don’t even realize they’ve had “numbing.” We’re also here for recovery, offering tips, check-ins, and support to ensure healing is smooth and stress-free.
frequently asked questions
frequently asked questions
We always consider extractions a last resort. If a tooth is infected, damaged beyond repair, causing pain, blocking the growth of other teeth, or has the potential to cause damage to a permanent tooth, removal might be the healthiest option. Dr. Shah will walk you through all alternatives first and only recommend extraction when it’s truly in your child’s best interest.
Thanks to our advanced numbing techniques, including SOAN electronic anesthesia—most kids feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. We also use a calm, supportive approach to reduce fear and anxiety, and we will give you tips to keep your child comfortable at home afterward.
We find that is best not to bring up “hurt” or “pain” at all. The wish to prepare a child comes from a good place but can backfire. When a parent says, “don’t worry, it’s not going to hurt,” kids go on high alert, because the pre-assuring communicates a bit of parental anxiety. Afterall, you wouldn’t tell a child, “We are going to go get ice cream – don’t worry, it won’t taste bad!” If you don’t know what to say to instill confidence, try “I know your doctor is going to do their very best and take really good care of you.” Indeed, that is our goal- to take the very best care of your little one and be there for them and your family.
After the procedure, your child may feel a little sore or tender for a day or two, but most do very well with a cool treat after and soft foods for a few days. We’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions and check in to make sure everything is well. Most kids bounce back quickly and are back to normal in no time.
Join Our Dental Family
Gift your child a smile that shines as bright as they do with personalized comfort visits and warmhearted care that'll make them feel right at home. From our family to yours – we can’t wait to meet you both!
Schedule Your Appointment.webp)
