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Original poster

Ready for teeth extractions & braces

11 replies

ChangeIsDue · 01/12/2025 14:14

DC is aged 12 with a large overbite and has now been judged by the orthodontist as ready for braces. It will involve extractions of two upper front teeth first. Until now DC has experienced very little physical pain in their life - a few scrapes and that’s it.
If you have been through this with your DC, please would you share how the extractions went for them - the injection of the local anaesthetic and the extraction itself? Also how to help them manage it straight afterwards - pain relief, what to eat, and how long afterwards they were back to normal?

OP posts:
Original poster
ChangeIsDue · 01/12/2025 15:40

Anyone?

OP posts:
ResusciAnnie · 01/12/2025 15:43

Ooh! DS 10 is about to get twin block braces for big overbite, I’m dreading it! It sounds brutal. So I hugely sympathise ❤️

Luckily DS doesn’t need any teeth out as far as I know. I had many teeth out in my childhood (not for braces related reasons). Kids are often far less fazed than adults about these things. I think the key thing is to make sure you get a kind vibe from the dentist/orthodontist. Mouths heal very quickly! I think I had solpadeine instead of calpol cos you can gargle with it too if that’s any help.

ResusciAnnie · 01/12/2025 15:47

They’ll give him a huge looking injection (according to my mum, I never saw any of them!) for the extraction and then if there’s still any feeling they can give some little injections too to to it up. They won’t take any tooth out while he can feel it! (Obviously this isn’t super current experience as from when I was a child! But the dentist should check the numbness a fair bit before going ahead)

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MadeinBelfast · 01/12/2025 15:48

My child was the same age when he had 4 teeth extracted. He was fine with the anaesthetic and the extraction itself although he said it felt 'weird'. As soon as it was over he seemed to be in mild shock so stayed off school and watched TV for a day. He was a bit shaky for a few hours. He coped fine with paracetamol at regular intervals, I think the dentist said he could take ibuprofen too if necessary.

He had 2 or 3 days of soup, yoghurt, milkshakes and pasta with smooth sauces but was back to normal by about day 3. When he actually got his braces he found day 1 uncomfortable so ate softer foods again. Each time they were tightened was similar but he adapted quickly and just ate what he fancied. They didn't really bother him. He was very happy to get them off though!

ItsmeMargo · 01/12/2025 17:42

I had loads of teeth filled when I was a kid, and when I was old enough to have the anaesthetic, I was so happy! Yes you can feel it, but it’s nothing too bad. I would certainly suggest he eats properly before having the injection: I didn’t once – when I was an adult – and I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest!

actually had some dental work done under anaesthetic very recently. The needle equipment looks big and scary, and obviously you feel a bit of a scratch when it first goes in… But it starts to work pretty much instantly.

Original poster
ChangeIsDue · 01/12/2025 18:39

MadeinBelfast · 01/12/2025 15:48

My child was the same age when he had 4 teeth extracted. He was fine with the anaesthetic and the extraction itself although he said it felt 'weird'. As soon as it was over he seemed to be in mild shock so stayed off school and watched TV for a day. He was a bit shaky for a few hours. He coped fine with paracetamol at regular intervals, I think the dentist said he could take ibuprofen too if necessary.

He had 2 or 3 days of soup, yoghurt, milkshakes and pasta with smooth sauces but was back to normal by about day 3. When he actually got his braces he found day 1 uncomfortable so ate softer foods again. Each time they were tightened was similar but he adapted quickly and just ate what he fancied. They didn't really bother him. He was very happy to get them off though!

Thanks so much for your helpful hints 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
ChangeIsDue · 01/12/2025 18:41

@ItsmeMargo
I would certainly suggest he eats properly before
Thanks - really important point. It might be a while afterwards before he can eat properly again!

OP posts:
Astepaway · 01/12/2025 18:46

My daughter had 4 teeth out a couple of years ago, 2 each appointment and I was absolutely dreading it based on my own experience 20 years ago. However, it was so much better than I remember and it was literally over in seconds. I couldn’t believe it. The injection takes longer than the extractions!
It’s not nice to watch as a parent, and did make me feel quite emotional, but obviously we put on a brave face!

Paracetamol was fine for any pain and we got in plenty of soft foods like soup, ice cream, smoothies etc. totally manageable.

My son is about to have his 4 out before Christmas ready for braces in Jan.

Sunnysidegold · 01/12/2025 19:35

My 14 yr old ds had this done last month.
Painkillers beforehand.
Eat beforehand.

He wasn't too bothered by it. It healed quickly with no issues. I think the thought of it was worse.

edwinbear · 01/12/2025 22:07

DD had 4 out when she was 12 before braces. It’s not very nice (obviously), she said the needle was the worst bit. One of hers was hard to get out - the root was curved or something and her mouth ached from holding it open so long. There was a fair bit of bleeding for the afternoon and she slept a lot - definitely needed the rest of the day off school. She ate a lot of ice cream! Get an old towel to put on his pillow/the sofa cushions. She’s had braces for 18 months now and her teeth are looking lovely!

ocelot3 · 01/12/2025 22:19

DS has had loads partly in prep for braces and partly just because they won’t fall out naturally, which seems very odd.
Usually it’s for baby teeth with roots still huge as they simply don’t dissolve and then a couple of adult teeth. He’s now so used to it he seems pretty chilled about it thank goodness. I have always pretended that it’s all fine and take it in my stride so I think he follows suit. Secretly I am agonising about the whole thing. Paracetamol and warm but not hot soup for lunch/dinner and he’s fine by the next day.

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