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Paediatric Dentistry · Berala

Children's Tooth Extractions — Always a Last Resort

We'd much rather save your child's tooth than remove it — but when a tooth truly can't be saved, we make it gentle and calm.

We try to save first Gentle & calm Bulk-billed under Medicare CDBS*
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When does a child need a tooth taken out?

Most baby teeth are best kept until they fall out naturally, so we try to save a tooth first with a filling, pulpotomy or crown. A tooth may need removing when it's too broken or infected to save, is causing pain, or is blocking the adult tooth. When that's the case, we keep the visit gentle, numb the area well, and explain everything.

Save firstWe try a filling, pulpotomy or crown before we ever consider removing a tooth.
Gentle numbingWe numb the area well so the tooth comes out comfortably, with reassurance throughout.
Kind & calmA reassuring, child-friendly visit — we explain everything before we start, with no pressure.
Aftercare supportSimple at-home advice, plus we keep an eye on the space for the adult tooth.
Our first choice, every time

We try to save the tooth first

We don't like taking teeth out. A baby tooth holds space for the adult tooth, helps your child chew and speak, and is almost always better kept than removed. So before an extraction is ever on the table, we work through the whole save-the-tooth ladder to give the tooth every chance of staying put.

An extraction is only ever considered when a tooth genuinely can't be saved by any of these. If there's a way to keep the tooth, we'll take it.

When removing a tooth is the kindest option

Sometimes, despite everything we try to save it, a tooth is causing more harm by staying than by coming out — through ongoing pain, infection, or getting in the way of the adult tooth. In these cases a gentle extraction is the most caring thing we can do for your child.

We'll always talk it through with you first, explain why, and answer every question before anything happens.

A tooth may need to come out when:

  • Severe decay or infection that can't be treated any other way
  • A tooth is broken beyond repair
  • A baby tooth is blocking or crowding the adult tooth coming through
  • Sometimes for orthodontic reasons, to make room for the bite to develop well
Calm, step by step

The gentle visit, step by step

If a tooth does need to come out, we keep the whole visit calm and unhurried. We explain everything in words your child understands, and we go at their pace.

Step 1 · comfort first

We numb the area

We gently numb the tooth and the gum around it so the area feels comfortable before we start. For anxious children, happy gas (nitrous oxide) can help them feel calm and relaxed in the chair.

Step 2 · the gentle bit

We gently remove the tooth

Once the area is fully numb, the tooth is eased out gently. Baby teeth have short roots, so this is usually quick. We keep talking your child through it and reassuring them the whole way.

Step 3 · home care

Simple aftercare advice

We give you clear, easy instructions for the next day or two — soft foods, gentle care of the area, and what to expect as it heals. Nothing complicated.

Step 4 · the bigger picture

We keep an eye on the space

We watch how the space settles and how the adult tooth is developing underneath. If the space needs holding, we'll talk you through a small space maintainer so the adult tooth has room to come through well.

Most extractions are avoidable. Regular check-ups & cleans and protective fissure sealants catch problems early, while they're still small and easy to treat — long before a tooth is at risk. If your child has knocked out or injured a tooth, see our kids' emergency page for what to do right away.

Medicare CDBS

Are children's extractions bulk-billed?

Yes — for children who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), a tooth extraction is bulk-billed, so there's no out-of-pocket cost to you for that treatment. CDBS gives eligible children up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two calendar years, and Medicare pays the clinic directly.

Not sure if your child qualifies? It only takes a moment to find out.

Check CDBS eligibilitySee our fees

*Eligibility is set by Medicare and changes from time to time. We'll always confirm your child's eligibility with you before treatment.

Related children's dental care at Berala

Extraction is the last step we ever want to reach. These services help save teeth — and care for your child when something goes wrong:

Paediatric dentistry hubAll our gentle care for children in one placePulpotomy (baby tooth nerve care)Often saves a tooth that would otherwise come outStainless steel crownsA strong cap that saves a heavily decayed toothKids' dental emergencyKnocked-out, broken or painful tooth — what to do
Parents often ask

Children's extraction FAQs

Does it hurt? +

We numb the tooth and gum well before we start, so the area feels comfortable during the extraction. Most children feel pressure rather than pain. For nervous children, happy gas can help them stay calm and relaxed throughout.

Do you try to save the tooth first? +

Yes — always. We work through the save-the-tooth options first, including fillings, a pulpotomy, or a stainless steel crown. An extraction is only considered when a tooth genuinely can't be saved.

What about space for the adult tooth? +

We always think about the adult tooth underneath. After an extraction we keep an eye on the space, and if it needs holding open we may suggest a small space maintainer so the adult tooth has room to come through well.

My child knocked a tooth out — what now? +

A knocked-out tooth can be time-sensitive, so contact us right away. See our kids' emergency page and our knocked-out tooth first-hour guide for exactly what to do in those first minutes.

Is it bulk-billed under CDBS? +

For eligible children, yes — a tooth extraction is bulk-billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, with no out-of-pocket cost for that treatment. You can check your child's eligibility in a moment.

How do I help my child avoid extractions? +

Most extractions are avoidable. Brushing morning and night, regular check-ups & cleans, and protective fissure sealants catch problems early, while they're small and easy to treat.

Worried about your child's tooth?

Bring them in for a gentle look. We'll always try to save the tooth first, and explain the kindest option in plain language — with no pressure.

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Berala Dental · 184 Woodburn Rd, Berala NSW 2141 · caring for local families since 2002