Dr. Puckett and his staff are experts in treating the pediatric population; we have provided oral surgery treatment to patients as young as two days old. At the initial consultation visit, Dr. Puckett will not only evaluate and discuss the plan, but will allow time to have questions and concerns answered.
Pediatric Oral Surgery In Southwest Ohio – Wilmington and Greater Cincinnati
Most procedures in children are best performed with sedation, to reduce anxiety and minimize the potential for an unpleasant experience, which can have long-lasting effects for the patient.
Pediatric oral surgery patients are frequently seen for a number of procedures, including:
- Removal of primary (baby) teeth. Baby teeth usually fall out by themselves, or are knocked out when the child has a mouth impact. We only take them out when an adult tooth is coming in and doesn’t have room to grow properly.
- Frenectomy. This involves cutting the piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the mouth. The procedure is done when the frenulum is too short or tight, making it difficult for a baby to breastfeed.
- Removal of adult teeth (usually for braces). If teeth are crowded, we remove one or more teeth; then the remaining teeth can be moved into correct positioning with braces.
- Exposure of teeth. One of our most common pediatric procedures is the surgical exposure of impacted teeth, such as impacted canines. Canines are sometimes slow to come and exposing the tooth can aid eruption, combined with orthodontic treatment. The goal is always to preserve these teeth, which are critical to a normal bite.
- Removal of supernumerary (extra) teeth. It is not unusual for extra teeth to grow behind or in front of baby or permanent teeth.
Sometimes they don’t cause any issues, but in other situations, they must be removed. If a patient is getting an implant, any teeth blocking the implant site must be taken out as well.