Pediatric Oral Treatments
Children have unique surgical needs, and our team at Rancho Del Rey Oral & Facial Surgery Center is experienced in providing specialized care in a calm, supportive environment. Whether your child has been referred by their pediatric dentist or orthodontist, or you’re exploring oral surgery options on your own, we work gently and thoughtfully to make every visit as comfortable as possible, for both children and their parents.
Why Should I Choose an Oral Surgeon for My Child?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive years of specialized surgical training beyond dental school, making them uniquely qualified to handle complex procedures involving the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. For children, this expertise matters, whether it’s a straightforward extraction or a more involved procedure like impacted tooth exposure. Our surgeons are also experienced in pediatric sedation, ensuring your child is safe, comfortable, and well cared for from start to finish.
What Can I Expect on the Day of My Child’s Oral Surgery?
We know surgery can feel daunting, especially for parents. Our team will walk you through everything in advance so there are no surprises. On the day of the procedure, you’ll check in with our friendly front desk, review any final instructions with our clinical team, and have the opportunity to ask any last-minute questions. Most pediatric procedures are completed in under an hour, and we’ll provide clear aftercare instructions before you leave so you feel confident supporting your child’s recovery at home.
What Pediatric Oral Treatments Are Available?
Pediatric Extractions
When a baby or permanent tooth is severely damaged, infected, or blocking proper development, extraction may be the safest path forward. Our surgeons perform both simple and complex pediatric extractions with care and precision, using oral surgery sedation options tailored to your child’s age, anxiety level, and procedure needs.
Expose and Bond Surgery
When a tooth, most often an upper canine or a lower second molar, fails to erupt and remains trapped beneath the gum or bone, surgical exposure can save it from extraction. Our surgeons uncover the impacted tooth, attach a small bracket and chain directly to it, and reposition the tissue. That chain links to the patient’s braces, giving the orthodontist what they need to gently guide the tooth into its correct position over time. This is one of the most common procedures referred to us by orthodontists and pediatric dentists throughout the San Diego area.
1. Impacted Tooth
2. Expose Tooth
3. Add chain and braces
4. Tooth aligned
Oral Developmental Issues
Some children experience developmental concerns such as abnormal tissue attachments, cysts, or other conditions that require surgical evaluation or treatment. Our surgeons are trained to identify and address these issues early, helping to prevent more complex problems down the road and supporting healthy oral development as your child grows.
Sedation & Anesthesia
We understand that dental procedures can feel overwhelming for children. That’s why we offer a range of sedation options to keep your child relaxed, comfortable, and safe throughout their procedure. Options may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety, IV sedation for a deeper level of relaxation, and local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Our team will walk you through every option and recommend the approach best suited to your child’s needs.
Learn More About Pediatric Oral Care
Our practice is proud to serve as a trusted surgical resource for pediatric dentists and orthodontists throughout the San Diego area. We welcome referrals and are happy to consult directly with your office about your patient’s care. Contact us to refer a patient or schedule a consultation.