There can be several reasons why a child might need a tooth extraction such as removing a baby tooth that’s not coming out on its own, making room for new permanent teeth or addressing decay.
It is a simple procedure, however many parents seem concerned about when their child can return to school after tooth extraction. Read this blog to get answers to this most asked query!
Two Types of Tooth Extraction for Children
There are two main types of extractions:
1. Baby Teeth Extractions
Baby teeth usually fall out on their own at a certain age. But sometimes they don’t loosen as they should. Hence, requiring an extraction.
2. Permanent Teeth Extractions
Permanent teeth may need to be removed if they are damaged, infected, or to make space for braces.
While some tooth extractions are simple and quick, others may need a small surgical procedure. The time required for them to heal and bounce back to their normal schedule also depends on the severity of cases. Let’s discuss this in detail in the next section!
When Can Kids Go Back to School After an Extraction?
Most children can return to school the next day or within 2 days after a simple tooth extraction, since bleeding usually stops quickly and any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
However, surgical extractions often need a little more healing time, so children may require 2–3 days of rest at home. This allows swelling and soreness to improve before going back to their normal routine.
Signs Your Child Is Ready to Go Back to School
Here are some signs that your child is ready to return back to school after tooth extraction:
- Controlled pain
- No active bleeding
- Eating soft foods without difficulty
- No fever
- No signs of infection i.e., pus, swelling
- Emotional readiness
Extraction Aftercare Tips for Children in School
If you child is returning to school after a tooth extraction, here are a few things to take care of:
- Pack soft food such as steamed veggies or pasta for lunch
- Ask them to avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days
- Remind them to avoid using straws or rinse aggressively
- Talk to their teachers and school nurses about their recent procedure
When Should You Keep Your Child Home Longer?
Sometimes kids need extra rest after an extraction, especially:
- If bleeding continues for more than 24 hours
- If pain does not get better with medicine
- If swelling increases or spreads to other areas
- If your child has a fever, pus, or a bad smell from the mouth
- If your child feels very tired or upset
Overall Insight
Every child is different, hence, responds differently to a tooth extraction. Typically, children can return back to school in a day or two if they’ve had a simple extraction. However, surgical extraction may take two to three days to heal.
This timeline is not set in stone so parents should make sure if their child is physically and emotionally ready to go back to school.
If you are still unsure, get a personalized treatment plan for your child from our expert pediatric dentist at Flourish Pediatric Dentistry. Call us at (281) 394-2520 to book your appointment.