Tatum Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. James Guymon

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(602) 788-4873

Tatum Pediatric Dentistry

4835 E Cactus Rd., #110
Scottsdale, AZ

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Tatum Pediatric Dentistry > Services > Extractions

With Dr. Guymon and our friendly team by your side, we’ll give your child's tooth a gentle “goodbye,” so their smile can stay healthy and happy. Let’s turn those nervous butterflies into big, bright smiles!

Tooth Extractions in Scottsdale, AZ

Multiple mushrooms and flowers The thought of a tooth extraction can feel a little intimidating for kids and their parents. But take a deep breath—there’s no need to worry! At Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how to turn a potentially stressful experience into one that’s smooth, comfortable, and reassuring.

Dr. Guymon and our team have a gentle approach and always strive to create a positive, stress-free environment where your child feels safe and cared for every step of the way. Whether it’s a baby tooth that’s decided to hang around a little too long or a troublesome tooth that’s causing discomfort, we’re here to help. We provide care tailored specifically for little smiles because we believe every child deserves to feel confident and supported—even during a tooth extraction.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Tooth Extraction

Helping your child feel calm and confident before their tooth extraction in Scottsdale can make all the difference. Here are some tips to prepare them for the visit:

Keep it positive. — Use simple, upbeat language to explain what will happen, like, “The dentist is going to give your tooth a little wiggle so your smile can stay super healthy!”
Read books or watch videos. — Find kid-friendly books or shows about visiting the dentist to help them understand the process in a fun and relatable way.
Bring comfort items. — Let your child bring a favorite stuffed animal, toy, or blanket to hold during the appointment for extra reassurance.
Practice deep breathing. — Teach your child simple breathing exercises to help them relax if they feel nervous.

Dr. Guymon will also take the time to explain everything to your child in a way that’s easy to understand so that your child feels prepared and empowered for their visit. With teamwork and a little preparation, we’ll ensure that your child’s experience is a positive one.

Why Do Kids Need Tooth Extractions?

Tooth extractions aren’t always a part of your child’s dental journey, but sometimes they’re necessary to keep their smile healthy and growing properly. Here are three common reasons why a child might need a tooth extraction in Phoenix, AZ.

Stubborn Temporary (Baby) Teeth

Occasionally, baby teeth just don’t want to budge, even when adult teeth are ready to come in. Removing the baby tooth makes space for the adult tooth to grow in correctly.

Severe Decay or Infection

If a tooth is badly damaged by decay or infection and can’t be saved with a filling or crown, an extraction might be the best way to protect your child’s overall oral health.

Overcrowding or Narrow Jaws

Sometimes, there’s not enough room in a child’s mouth for all their teeth to line up properly. Removing a tooth can help make space and set the stage for orthodontic treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child feel pain during a tooth extraction?

We always go above and beyond to ensure your child is safe and comfortable during every appointment, including a tooth extraction.

How We Make It Comfortable

Gentle Numbing — We place a numbing cream and then carefully and gently numb the whole tooth so that your child will feel comfortable for the extraction.
Sedation Options — For kids who feel extra nervous, we offer safe, child-friendly sedation to help them relax and stay calm.
Kid-Friendly Explanations — We take the time to explain the process in simple, reassuring terms so your child knows exactly what to expect.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Once we numb the area, Dr. Guymon gently removes the tooth with precision and care. The process is quick, and most kids are amazed at how easy it is. We’ll talk to your child throughout the procedure to keep them calm, and we’ll even sneak in some encouragement and jokes along the way.

What About After the Extraction?

After the procedure, we’ll provide easy-to-follow instructions to help your child heal quickly and comfortably. We recommend:

Over-the- counter pain medications
Soft foods, like bananas and mashed potatoes
Plenty of rest

And, of course, your child will get plenty of praise for being so brave. Plus, they get a chance to pick a fun prize before heading home.

Book a Stress-Free Visit Today

Tooth extractions don’t have to be scary. With our gentle techniques and caring team, your child will leave with a big smile. Dr. Guymon also monitors and helps guide jaw development, including preparation and referrals for orthodontic care.

Call Tatum Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment or learn more.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

We know the idea of a tooth extraction might sound daunting, but we’re here to make it as easy and comfortable as possible for your child—and you! Here’s what you can expect during a tooth extraction in Phoenix, AZ:

A Cheerful Welcome — From the moment you walk in, we’ll help your child feel at ease with our cheerful, friendly environment and caring team.
Gentle Numbing and Sedation Options — To keep your child comfortable, we’ll use gentle numbing techniques and, if needed, safe sedation options to ensure a pain-free experience.
Quick, Expert Care — Dr. Guymon is a pediatric dentist in Scottsdale with years of experience working with children. You can expect a quick, precise, and stress-free as possible procedure.
Lots of Reassurance — We’ll explain everything in kid-friendly terms to help your child feel calm and confident every step of the way.

3 Tips for a Smooth Recovery

After a tooth extraction, your child’s comfort is our priority. Here’s how you can help them heal quickly and comfortably:

Stick to soft foods. — Foods like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes are gentle on their mouth and easy to eat.
Encourage them to rest. — A little downtime gives their mouth the chance to heal.
Please follow our instructions. — We’ll provide simple aftercare tips to ensure everything heals just right.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. James Guymon

Dr. Guymon grew up in Glendale and now lives just up the street in Desert Ridge. After high school, he spent two years in the Dominican Republic as a missionary ...

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Dr. Claire Carney

Dr. Carney is originally from Southern California and is excited to be living in Arizona! She has hopped coast to coast throughout her education as she went to Duke for ...

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Extractions Technology

Panoramic X-ray

Our panoramic x-ray is like a big picture storybook for your child’s smile. It takes a full snapshot of their teeth, jaws, and even those growing adult teeth hiding beneath the gums. It’s quick, easy, and lets us see how their smile is coming together—all without them feeling a thing.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Need a Kids' Tooth Extraction in Scottsdale and Phoenix?

At Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, we always want to ensure your child feels safe, comfortable, and even a little excited to visit us. Dr. Guymon’s gentle touch, combined with our team’s fun and caring approach, means your child’s experience will be one filled with tons of smiles and laughs. Dr. Guymon also monitors and helps guide jaw development, including preparation and referrals for orthodontic care.

If your child needs a tooth extraction, please don’t stress and simply give us a call! We’re here to guide you through the process and keep your child’s smile happy and healthy.

Blogs

A smiling girl giving her dentist a high five

May 23, 2025

Does My Child Really Need a Tooth Pulled? What Parents in Scottsdale & Phoenix Need to Know

Your child's dentist just mentioned tooth extraction, and suddenly your mind is racing. Will it hurt? Is it really necessary? How will your little one handle the procedure? These concerns are completely natural—no parent wants to see their child go through any dental procedure, especially one that sounds as serious as tooth extraction.

Here's everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for your child's care.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary for Kids?

Most reasons for pediatric tooth extractions fall into a few common categories:

A tooth is so severely ...