Keeping a natural tooth is almost always the better outcome, and most damaged baby teeth can be saved with a filling, a pulpotomy, or a crown. Removal is what we turn to when saving the tooth would not work or would put the rest of the mouth at risk — and we will always tell you which situation you are in.
Extraction is considered only when a tooth cannot reasonably be saved: decay too extensive for a filling or crown, infection that cannot be resolved, severe injury, or a baby tooth blocking a permanent one. The area is fully numbed first, removal often takes a minute or two, and the gum heals within one to two weeks.
Each of these is a situation where we would first ask whether the tooth can be saved. Extraction is considered only once the answer is genuinely no.
Decay that has destroyed too much of the tooth to hold a filling or a crown. Leaving such a tooth in place risks pain and infection spreading to teeth beside it.
Where infection has reached the root and cannot be resolved by removing the pulp, taking the tooth out is what stops it. An infected baby tooth can also damage the permanent tooth forming underneath.
Occasionally a baby tooth is removed as part of an orthodontic plan to create room for teeth to align. This is planned deliberately, in coordination with orthodontic care, never decided on the spot.
A tooth broken below the gumline or loosened badly in a fall may not be salvageable. After any injury we assess the permanent tooth developing above before deciding anything.
Sometimes a baby tooth stays put while the permanent tooth erupts behind or beside it. If it does not loosen on its own within a reasonable time, removing it lets the permanent tooth settle into position.
Children handle this far better than parents expect, largely because of what happens before the procedure rather than during it.
We examine the tooth and take a digital X-ray to see the root and the permanent tooth below. Then we tell you honestly whether the tooth can be saved. If it can, we go that route.
If removal is the right call, we explain why, what the alternative would mean, and what happens to the space afterwards. Questions are welcome, and nothing is scheduled until you are comfortable.
We use age-appropriate language, avoid alarming words, and let your child hold something familiar. Nitrous oxide is available for children who need extra help settling.
The area is numbed completely first — your child should feel firm pressure and movement, but not pain. A baby tooth with a resorbed root often comes away in under a minute.
We place gauze, watch until the bleeding settles, and send you home with written aftercare. We check the healing at your next visit and monitor the space.
Most extraction appointments for a baby tooth take under half an hour from sitting down to walking out.
Bite gently on the gauze for about 30 to 45 minutes. A little pinkness in the saliva is normal for the rest of the day.
Soft, cool foods — yoghurt, smoothies, pasta, scrambled egg. Skip straws, spitting, and anything crunchy or very hot for the first day.
Do not let your child eat or drink anything hot until the numbness has completely worn off, usually two to three hours, since they cannot feel a burn or a bitten lip.
Brush the other teeth normally that evening, keeping the brush away from the socket itself.
This is the part that matters longer term. A baby molar removed well before it was due to fall out leaves a gap that neighbouring teeth drift into, and the permanent tooth may then have nowhere to come through.
Depending on which tooth was removed and your child’s age, Dr. Kohan may recommend a space maintainer — a small appliance that holds the gap open. Front baby teeth lost close to their natural timing usually need nothing at all.
Either way, we monitor the area at routine exams and cleanings.
Call us if there is bleeding that does not settle after an hour of firm gauze pressure, swelling that increases after the second day, a fever, or pain that gets worse rather than better. These are uncommon, but we would always rather hear from you.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Kohan has over five years of experience creating healthy, confident smiles for children in Chino. His gentle, child-focused approach makes every visit positive and stress-free.
Only when the tooth cannot reasonably be saved — decay too extensive for a filling or crown, infection that cannot be resolved, a tooth badly broken by injury, or a baby tooth blocking a permanent one. Most damaged baby teeth can be restored instead, and that is always explored first.
The area is numbed completely beforehand, so your child should feel pressure and movement rather than pain. Afterwards, most children need nothing stronger than childrens paracetamol or ibuprofen for a day, and many need nothing at all.
Yes. Numbing gel is applied first so the injection itself is barely felt. For anxious children, nitrous oxide can be used alongside the local anesthetic — see sedation options.
The removal itself is often a minute or two for a baby tooth whose root has already partly dissolved. The whole appointment, including numbing and settling your child, is usually under 30 minutes.
Soft, cool foods for the first day. Nothing hot and no straws until the numbness has fully worn off, since a numb child cannot feel a burn or a bitten lip. Normal eating usually resumes the next day.
The gum surface closes over within one to two weeks and is comfortable well before that. Most children are back to normal within a day or two.
It can, which is why timing matters. If the tooth was nearly due to fall out anyway, usually not. If it is removed years early, especially a back tooth, neighbouring teeth may drift into the gap and crowd the permanent tooth.
Sometimes. It depends on which tooth was lost and how long until the permanent one arrives. Back teeth lost early often need one; front teeth lost near their natural time usually do not. See space maintainers.
Most PPO plans and Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) cover extractions that are clinically necessary. We verify your benefits before treatment.
If bleeding does not settle after an hour of firm gauze pressure, if swelling increases after the second day, if there is a fever, or if pain worsens instead of easing. Call rather than wait — these are uncommon but worth checking.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Joshua Kohan, DMD — Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics, Chino, CA.
Last reviewed: 5 August 2026. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an in-person examination.
Very clean office the staff was amazing. So many neat video games. I would refer Say Cheese Dental to my friends and family.
Priscilla marie VargasThe dentist was very kind and knowledgeable and polite! The staff took the time needed for my 3 boys to feel comfortable and relaxed. We will be here in the next 6.months for there followup and braces!
Brigette NavarroMe encanto el trato del personal todos incluyendo al doctor
Lurdes UrtisMuy amable todo el personal y atentos, respondieron todas mis dudas. Fue una buena opción venir aquí.
Monica MendozaThis was my first visit to Say Cheese Dental, and I was really impressed. The place is super clean, organized, and has a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is kind, patient, and very friendly — they made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. I’m happy I chose this office!
LOURDES HERRERAThe staff are Great and explain everything perfectly, they are willing to work on monthly payments with you and they are patiently with you 🙂 would recommend coming by and check them out 🙂
Ivette LopezGreat consultation! The staff was friendly, the orthodontist was knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident with the treatment plan. Highly recommend! I will definitely be back!
Natasha HarrisFirst time coming to this kids dental and we had a great experience. Everything was explained so well , will be coming back!
Karen RomeroWe loved it, all very friendly, very professional. The place is very nice, very cozy, tidy and clean, there is parking and easy to get to.
Paulina Maldonado
A first dental visit should not be a financial decision. We accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) and most major PPO plans, and our front desk verifies your coverage before you come in, so you know what is covered ahead of the appointment.
12413 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
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Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, closed
We are on Central Avenue in Chino, a short drive from most of the surrounding communities. Siblings can usually be booked back to back, which saves a second trip.
If your child has a painful, damaged, or infected tooth, an evaluation will tell you whether it can be saved — and often it can. Families come to us from Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, and Ontario.
