Pediatric Surgery
 In rare circumstances, children are born with extra teeth or experience unusual growths or infections in the mouth, and oral surgery might be required. This can be a scary experience for a child, and as their parent, it may be even worse for you. We feel strongly about treating your child's surgical needs while also keeping the emotional needs in mind, so we will help them to feel secure and safe while explaining treatment using words that are understandable. We encourage them to ask questions and provide reassurance throughout the procedure, and our main goal is to treat your child in a comfortable manner with a high standard of safety.
Tooth Extractions
There are many situations in which the primary teeth will need to be extracted before they fall out by themselves. The potential for overcrowding when the permanent teeth erupt is a major concern. In other cases, some of the primary teeth will fuse to the jawbone, preventing them from falling out on their own, and these teeth will also need to be extracted to make room for the permanent teeth to erupt.
Trauma Care
If your child has suffered a traumatic injury to his face or mouth due to an accident, fall, or sport-related injury, we can provide trauma care. When children experience an injury to their primary teeth, the treatment will be different than the options available for permanent teeth. We will evaluate your child's mouth or face to better understand the extent of the injury and to come up with a safe and effective treatment plan.
We also provide comprehensive treatment for pediatric patients with:
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Cleft palate or lip
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Abnormal jaw bone growth
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Dental anomalies
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Congenital craniofacial anomalies
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Neck or head tumors
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TMJ or juvenile idiopathic arthritis |
Preparing Your Child for Surgery
We want to make sure that both you and your child are fully prepared for the upcoming surgical procedure. In addition to a consultation, you will also receive pre-operative instructions that will outline exactly what your child should – and shouldn't – do prior to the surgery. Important information about fasting prior to treatment will be addressed, and you should keep in mind that if your child develops a cold or other illness before his surgery, you should contact our office right away.
Our state of the art surgical center has adopted a "no needle" policy, so if we need to sedate your child, they will go to sleep breathing "sleeping gas" and oxygen. Likewise, all of our staff members have been trained in and maintain certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
If your child is in need of pediatric surgery and could use our services, please call us at (505) 797-3530 to set up an evaluation. We will be happy to review their unique dental needs and to come up with a treatment plan that will provide for their future oral health. |
