In some situations, oral surgery is the best option for a child’s dental problem. It’s important to work with a qualified oral surgeon whenever surgery’s planned, but it’s also a good idea to work with a qualified pediatric dentist, preferably one your child already knows and likes. The good news is that pediatric dentists are qualified to perform many oral surgeries, and they work with teams of other dental specialists who can take care of more complicated concerns if need be. Some of the more commonly performed pediatric oral surgery procedures are root canals, wisdom teeth extraction, general tooth extraction, orthodontic surgeries to adjust the bite, and dental restorations like dental implants or veneers. While it might be uncomfortable to think about your child undergoing surgery, you can take comfort in knowing that they’re in good hands with an experienced, qualified pediatric dentist.
It might seem like overkill to perform a root canal on a primary tooth, but the reality is that the primary teeth play an important role in oral development so it’s important to keep them healthy and intact. If the pulp inside a primary tooth is infected, a root canal is often the preferred course of action. If your child needs a root canal, your pediatric dentist can talk through the procedure beforehand with you and your child, making sure all your questions are answered and anxieties are addressed.
Removing the wisdom teeth, or third molars, is a routine surgical procedure that many of us remember experiencing in our youth. As you and your teenager make decisions about their wisdom teeth, in cooperation with their pediatric dentist, the dentist can help you decide if wisdom teeth extraction is recommended or if the teeth have some time to settle into place. While there may be room in the mouth to accommodate these teeth, they erupt so far back in the mouth that it can be challenging to clean them, making extraction the best option to maintain the overall health of the teeth and gums. When the teeth are crowded, a tooth may also need to be extracted. This is often the initial step of an orthodontic procedure, creating sufficient space for the teeth to adjust into place during treatment with braces or other aligners. If the bite doesn’t meet properly, a condition known as malocclusion, this may also require surgery. Malocclusion can arise because of chronic thumb sucking, crowded teeth, improper jaw alignment, or dental issues, and your pediatric dentist will explain and plan the best course of correction for malocclusion.
Sometimes, children need dental implants, which are permanently placed posts that are embedded in the jawbone and used to support an artificial tooth or row of teeth. These replace missing teeth and might be the best option in children with congenital dental defects like naturally missing teeth. When children have visibly damaged teeth and desire a more radiant smile, as is often the case with younger performers and models, dental veneers made of porcelain, plastic, or composite resin material can be used to restore the appearance of damaged or stained teeth. While the surgery required to place veneers is minor, it is still a surgical procedure, and your pediatric dentist can help you decide if it’s a good idea for your child.