Oral surgery can be a daunting prospect for anyone, but when it comes to children and teenagers, the idea can be particularly nerve-wracking for both our young patients and you as a parent. But the good news is, that understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help alleviate much of the anxiety surrounding pediatric oral surgery.
We already know your child or teen is going to be nervous. And this is completely normal! We also expect you to share a fair amount of anxiety ahead of your child’s oral surgery appointment. This is why we’ve prepared this short guide to walk you and your child through the process.
Here, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect at HCD when your child or teen undergoes oral surgery in Anchorage — from initial consultations to post-operative care.
When was your child or teen’s last dental checkup? Reach out to Health Centered Dentistry in Anchorage today and schedule an appointment.
Why is Oral Surgery for Children and Teens Necessary?
We rarely ever think about our children having to undergo surgery. After all, children are meant to play, make mistakes, and generally enjoy their youth. However, oral surgery may become necessary for children and teenagers due to many different reasons — and this could range from developmental issues to trauma or disease.
Understanding the reasons for pediatric oral surgery can help you recognize when intervention may be needed for your child’s oral health.
Here are a few common reasons why oral surgery could be necessary for children or teens:
- Impacted Teeth: Sometimes, permanent teeth may not erupt properly due to overcrowding or obstruction by surrounding teeth. Oral surgery, such as tooth extraction or exposure and bonding procedures, may be necessary to address impacted teeth and prevent further complications.
- Orthodontic Treatment: In cases where orthodontic treatment is required to correct misaligned teeth or jaw discrepancies, oral surgery may be necessary as part of the comprehensive treatment plan. Surgical procedures like orthognathic surgery can help align the jaws properly and improve bite function.
- Dental Trauma: Accidents or dental injuries can result in facial fractures, dislodged teeth, or soft tissue damage that may require surgical intervention to restore function and aesthetics.
- Oral Pathology: Childhood diseases or conditions such as cysts, tumors, or lesions in the mouth may necessitate surgical removal to prevent further growth or mitigate potential health risks.
- Severe Tooth Decay: When dental decay progresses to an advanced stage, it may compromise the integrity of the tooth structure. In such cases, oral surgery, such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction, may be necessary to preserve oral health and prevent the spread of infection.
Understanding Oral Surgery for Children and Teens
While the thought of oral surgery for children and teens can be intimidating, understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help alleviate anxiety for both young patients and their parents. With the guidance of our experienced oral surgeons here at HCD and proper post-operative care, your children will be able to undergo oral surgery with minimal discomfort — and achieve optimal oral health outcomes.
Consider the following process for oral and maxillofacial surgery for children and teens.
Initial Consultation
Your child’s journey typically begins with an initial consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon specializing in pediatric cases. This consultation serves multiple purposes: to assess your child’s oral health, discuss treatment options, address any concerns or questions that you as a parent may have — and establish a rapport between our surgeon, your child, and your family.
During this consultation, our trained dentists will thoroughly examine the child’s mouth, possibly take X-rays or scans, and discuss the recommended treatment plan.
Preparing for Surgery
Once you’ve made the decision to proceed with your child or teen’s oral surgery, preparations will be made to ensure a smooth and successful procedure.
At HCD, our preparations generally include scheduling the surgery at a time convenient for the family, providing pre-operative instructions (such as fasting requirements), and discussing anesthesia options. As a parent, it’s essential for you to ensure that your child or teen follows our instructions closely to minimize any risks associated with the surgery.
Day of Surgery
On the day of the surgery, don’t worry, it’s natural for both you and your child to feel anxious. And you can trust that our surgical team will do everything we can to make your child or teen’s experience as comfortable as possible.
Depending on the complexity of the procedure and your child’s age, anesthesia may be administered to ensure they remain still and pain-free throughout the surgery. At this point, parents are usually allowed to accompany their child into the operating room until they are sedated — providing reassurance during this critical moment.
During the Procedure
Once your child is sedated, our surgeon will perform the necessary procedure with precision and care. Our staff will ensure that you or an appointed legal guardian will remain on the premises throughout the procedure, and we will update you on our progress as needed — or if anything changes during the procedure.
Remember, as common pediatric oral surgeries generally include tooth extractions, treatment of oral infections, correction of bite issues, and removal of impacted teeth, our surgical team monitors your child’s vital signs closely to ensure their safety and well-being.
Post-Operative Care
After surgery, your child will be taken to a recovery area where they can wake up comfortably under the supervision of trained medical staff. You will then receive detailed post-operative instructions. And this will include how to manage pain, care for the surgical site, what foods to avoid during the recovery period — and any other specific care instructions required.
As mentioned, it’s essential to follow our instructions to promote healing and minimize the risk of infections or complications.
Follow-Up Appointments
We will recommend regular follow-up appointments to be scheduled in order to monitor your child or teen’s progress — and to ensure that the surgical site is healing properly. These appointments also provide an opportunity for you to ask any lingering questions or address any concerns you may have about your child’s recovery, and to ensure that your children have healthy teeth and gums.
Trust Health Centered Dentistry in Anchorage With Your Child’s Oral Surgery
When it comes to your child’s oral health and well-being, choosing the right oral surgeon is an important decision. At Health Centered Dentistry in Anchorage, we offer our community peace of mind as we prioritize the comfort, safety, and long-term oral health of every one of our pediatric patients.
Remember, with our team of highly skilled and compassionate oral surgeons specializing in pediatric cases, you can trust us to provide exceptional care every step of the way.
From the initial consultation to post-operative follow-up and through the entire process, we strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your child. With our commitment to excellence and personalized approach to treatment, you can rest assured that your child’s oral surgery needs are in good hands at Health Centered Dentistry in Anchorage.
Does Your child need oral surgery in Anchorage? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward ensuring your child’s bright and healthy smile for years to come.
