Surgical Procedures

Expert Care For Your Children in Richmond, VA

Typically, a minor surgical procedure may be performed to enhance your child’s oral health outcomes. At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe that oral health complications can impact a person’s overall health and wellness, which is why we treat each child using a personalized, comprehensive approach. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to perform extractions in the office as well as soft tissue biopsies for further diagnostic purposes.

surgical dentistry

Surgical Procedures We Offer

Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is proud to offer surgical procedures that may better your child’s oral health and optimize their overall wellbeing too. Our highly trained and experienced doctors are able to perform both extractions and soft tissue biopsies depending on your child’s unique needs. They have undergone specialized training and rigorous continuing education to deliver the best possible treatment and care for your child in Richmond, VA!

Reasons for Extractions

At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we always aim to help our patients achieve good oral health. Extractions are surgical procedures involving the pulling of a tooth. In the event your child experiences a dental problem, we may be able to restore their tooth’s health and function. However, we recognize that occasionally oral injuries or dental issues arise that may require surgical procedures such as extractions. Here are some reason why your child may need a tooth pulled:

Tooth decay is the most common reason for a dental extraction in children, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. It is the direct result of bacteria eating away at the tooth’s enamel, which causes cavities or tooth caries (holes) due to a lack of good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

Gum (periodontal) disease occurs when there is inflammation of the gums around the tooth. If left untreated, it can cause the nearby tooth to become loose, reducing its function and mobility.

Teeth that are overcrowded may be recommended for removal to prevent or correct malocclusions and prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment.

A fractured tooth, where the function is unable to be restored from serious injury, may require surgical procedures such as an extraction.

When your wisdom teeth do not fully come in, but are instead stuck in the gums, they are impacted and require removal in order to prevent serious infection and future oral complications.

Typically, baby teeth should fall out on their own naturally. However, this doesn’t always happen. If they do not fall out by the time permanent teeth begin to arrive, your dentist may recommend the baby tooth or teeth be pulled to make room for the incoming adult teeth.

surgical procedures

What is a Soft Tissue Biopsy?

A soft tissue biopsy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a tiny bit of soft tissue, such as the cheek, tongue, lips or gums, to be further examined. This allows our team to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of action and treatment plan for your child. Before moving forward with a soft tissue biopsy, our team will most likely have you and your child also meet with an oral pathologist for a consultation. There are several reasons our dentists may recommend surgical procedures such as soft tissue biopsies for your child, such as:

  • Unusual Abnormalities: Persistent oral abnormalities that do not go away after other treatments are performed

  • Concern For Malignancy: Red or white lesions or patches, unusual bleeding or swollen lymph nodes

  • Inflammatory Changes: Pain with swallowing, swelling or redness inside the moth, ulcers or a burning sensation

  • Oral Cancer: Sores and lumps, red or white patches, unexplained swelling in the throat, and difficulty swallowing, chewing and speaking are all signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer is especially rare in children but not impossible.

Care Following Your Child’s Surgical Procedure

Your child may feel some discomfort and experience minor swelling following their procedure, but it will dissipate in a few days. We advise you to give your child over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol to alleviate any pain and ice packs or a cold compress to help reduce swelling. We also recommend your child avoid eating or drinking until the sedation wears off and stick to soft meals for a few days. Make sure they receive enough fluids and lots of rest while they recover. If you have any questions about surgical procedures or recovery, please feel free to reach out to our office at (804) 740-7281.

Helping Richmond Smile

Comprehensive Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care

At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we strive to deliver radiant, healthy smiles to families across Richmond, VA. Our kind and caring team is committed to providing professional, high quality service in an environment that is relaxing and fun. Our goal is to make your dental and orthodontic journey with us an amazing experience. Get started today!