How We Keep Kids Safe During Oral Surgery

About 75% of American schoolchildren have dental cavities requiring dental care. That's why proper oral hygiene is so essential for young children.

Parents who don't take care of their children's teeth risk more severe issues like tooth decay, which can require oral surgery for kids. But how safe is your child while the pediatric dentist works on them? Do you have to be concerned?

For answers to these questions, keep reading. As a dentist in Friendswood, TX, we can tell you how to take care of your child while undergoing oral surgery.

What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist is an oral practitioner who works on children from infancy until they reach their teenage years. These dentists have extensively studied how to care for your child's teeth and gums throughout childhood.

Typically, a dentist in pediatric dentistry has completed at least four years of dental school and two more years of residency training. Along with learning how to care for your child's mouth, pediatric dentists also know how to work with children who may not always be fully cooperative.

Pediatric dentists typically offer everything from cleaning and fluoride treatments to taking x-rays and handling cavities and extractions.

What Procedures Are Typically Offered?

There are many reasons your child may need a trip to the dentist. Most pediatric dental offices deal with several tooth or gum procedures and may offer the following dental services:

Dental implants
Wisdom teeth care
Tooth extraction procedures
Jaw surgery
Facial trauma
Anesthesia
Pre-prosthetic surgery
3D imaging
Oral Pathology

Some of these procedures require your child to be booked for oral surgery. This may mean they need sedation or anesthesiology. These tooth problems include the following:

Root Canals

If your child's primary teeth develop issues, it could affect the permanent teeth that follow them. The last thing you want is for your child's tooth to become infected, so sometimes, a root canal is necessary.

Wisdom Teeth

Many people will remember having their wisdom teeth removed at a young age. If these teeth are improperly aligned, it's essential to extract them so the other teeth don't fall out of alignment. This is typically your child's last procedure with their pediatric dentist.

Misaligned Bites

Misaligned bites, also called malocclusions, are typically inherited from a parent but can develop independently. Some causes of a misaligned bite are extra teeth, misaligned jaws, or actions like thumb sucking. Your dentist will discuss what procedure is required for this dental disorder.

Misaligned Teeth

Misaligned teeth may sometimes require a tooth extraction. This extraction allows the remaining teeth to spread out, and they no longer will need to fight for space, which is what causes the misalignment.

Risks of Oral Surgery

With any operation, there are associated risks involved. Being concerned about your child's well-being during dentistry is perfectly natural. While there is a slight risk associated with administering anesthesia, the medical professional will have been extensively trained and fully certified.

If the surgery is a significant procedure, it's typically performed in a local hospital or surgical center, so your child will have additional medical professionals looking over their care.

Keeping Kids Safe During Oral Surgery

Discuss your concerns with the dentist if you're concerned about your child undergoing a dental procedure. They should be able to answer any questions you may have. Otherwise, you can do the following:

Ask Their Reasoning

If you're unsure if sedation is necessary, ask your dentist why they require your child to be sedated. Most likely, your pediatric dentist will offer sedation only for longer, more complex, painful procedures. Additionally, it may also be required if your child is particularly young or nervous.

Review the Anesthesiologist

As a parent, you can choose what anesthesiologist works on your child. You want to request to use an MD anesthesiologist. This anesthesiologist should be certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA).

You also want to ensure they've done some fellowship training in pediatric anesthesiology in a reputable hospital.

Ask the Emergency Plan

Another thing that's essential to enquire about is the anesthesiologist's emergency plan, should any arise. You should ensure the anesthesiologist that you choose has the following:

A hospital-quality emergency cart with resuscitation equipment that is specifically for children
A team of personnel trained in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Accreditation by an accrediting agency such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Institute for Medical Quality (IMQ)
Equipment that's been kept up to hospital standards

The pediatric dentist should also work to ensure the safety of your child. For example, your child will be closely monitored to ensure their safety while undergoing the procedure.

Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Dentist

The ADA recommends asking specific questions before approving your child for sedation. Some of these questions include:

How will my child's medical history, such as allergies, prescription medications, previous illnesses, and hospitalizations, be evaluated before surgery?
In preparation for the procedure, how much time should my child be without food and drink?
What sedation medications will my child receive at home before coming to the office, and how should they be monitored if so?
What kind of monitoring will my child receive before, during, and after the procedure?
After I return home, will I receive instructions and emergency contact information from the sedation/anesthesia provider?

If your pediatric dentist can not answer these questions sufficiently before your kid's oral surgery, find a different dentist who can.

Find the Best Pediatric Dentist in Friendswood, TX

As a parent, there is no escaping taking your child to the dentist. Ideally, your child should be visiting one for regular cleanings and checkups, and sometimes your dentist can spot something more serious. If your child needs to undergo oral surgery, take time to familiarise yourself with the procedure and ask your pediatric dentist as many questions as you need.

If you need a pediatric dentist in Friendswood, TX, contact us today to book an appointment for your child.

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A little girl is sitting in a dental chair being examined by a dentist.

First Aid for Dental Injuries in Kids

By Dentistry 4 Children • March 17, 2025

According to Child Stats, it is estimated that three million kids go to the emergency room for injuries yearly. Dental injuries, in particular, are common in children, especially those who are active in sports, playground activities, or simply exploring their surroundings. Knowing what to do and how to respond to a dental emergency can be hectic if you do not know what to do. But if you act fast and have a plan, you can prevent complications, minimize pain, and even save a tooth. Understanding first aid for dental injuries can help parents and your local family dentist provide immediate care before seeking professional treatment at a trusted pediatric dentist in Pearland . Common Types of Dental Injuries in Kids Children can experience various dental injuries, ranging from minor chips to severe trauma that requires emergency dental care. One of the most frequent injuries is a chipped or broken tooth. This is often caused by falls but can also be due to bike accidents or biting into hard objects. While minor chips may not cause immediate pain, more extensive fractures can expose nerves and lead to significant discomfort. Another serious dental injury is a knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth. When a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, immediate action is crucial to improve the chances of saving it. In contrast, if a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, attempting to reinsert it can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. A loose or displaced tooth is another common issue that can occur due to blunt force trauma. While some cases resolve independently, others require professional dental evaluation to ensure the surrounding structures remain intact. If your child experiences a dental emergency, learning about common pediatric dental emergencies can help you take the proper steps. Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is pushed further into the gums due to an impact. This type of injury is more common in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. Tooth intrusion can lead to complications, such as damage to the underlying permanent teeth, making it essential to visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Friendswood for proper assessment. Lastly, injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums often accompany dental trauma. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant bleeding and pain, increasing the risk of infection if not properly treated. Immediate First Aid Steps for Dental Injuries Providing immediate comprehensive oral care for dental injuries can significantly improve the outcome. For a chipped or broken tooth, it is essential to rinse the child's mouth with warm water to remove debris. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If possible, collect any broken fragments and bring them to a dentist. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have the child bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in milk or the child's saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. For a step-by-step guide on managing a knocked-out tooth, check out this helpful resource on handling pediatric dental emergencies . Stabilizing a loose or displaced tooth by having the child bite down gently on a piece of gauze is essential. Avoid repositioning the tooth forcefully, as this could cause additional damage. A child-friendly dentist should assess the injury as soon as possible. Tooth intrusion should be treated with caution. Attempting to reposition the tooth at home is not recommended. Instead, apply a cold compress if the tooth is swelling and schedule an emergency dental visit. Seeking care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Friendswood can ensure the injury is managed appropriately. For soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze can help control bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling, and rinsing with salt water may help prevent infection. When to Seek Professional Dental Care While minor dental injuries may not require immediate attention from a family dentistry practice, certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental care. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrant an emergency visit to a dentist. Additionally, any signs of infection, such as: Pus Fever Red streaks near the injury site These should not be ignored. Understanding when to seek professional care can help prevent long-term complications. Parents can find more information on common pediatric dental emergencies . Prevention Tips to Reduce Dental Injuries While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, certain precautions can help minimize the risk of dental injuries in children. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities provides essential protection against impacts. Childproofing the home by securing furniture edges and installing safety gates can prevent falls that lead to dental trauma. Encouraging children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can also reduce the likelihood of chipped or broken teeth. Teaching good dental hygiene habits , including brushing and flossing regularly, strengthens teeth and enhances their resilience against injury. Additionally, parents should be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies while traveling. Knowing where to find emergency dental care can be invaluable in an unfamiliar location. If your child experiences a dental emergency away from home, reviewing these tips for handling dental emergencies while traveling can be beneficial. Need a Local Family Dentist? Contact Dentistry 4 Children Understanding first aid for dental injuries in children can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health. By acting quickly and getting affordable dental services, parents and caregivers can reduce pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of saving an injured tooth. Here at Dentistry 4 Children, we know how scary these accidents can be for children. That is why we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive local family dentist environment. So contact us today to get your child the help they need.