Management Considerations for Pediatric Oral Surgery

Abstract

Oral surgery for the pediatric patient requires special considerations such as parental consent, knowledge of developing anatomy and dentition, potential for adverse effects on growth, behavior guidance. and peri- and postoperative management. Odontogenic infections usually are managed with pulp therapy or extraction, and those associated with swelling may need incision and drainage. Cases with systemic manifestations (eg, cellulitis, fever, lymphadenopathy) require adjunctive antibiotic therapy. Management of nonrestorable, overretained, impacted, traumatized, and supernumerary teeth, as well as teeth with eruption delays or failures, are discussed with emphasis on care to avoid injury to the neighboring teeth, permanent successors, and other nearby tissues. Considerations for surgical correction of frenulum attachments are reviewed. Guidance is provided for biopsies which can establish a definitive diagnosis for most oral lesions.

This document was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Councils on Clinical Affairs and Scientific Affairs to offer updated information and guidance on management considerations for pediatric oral surgery.

^{KEYWORDS: ORAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES, TOOTH EXTRACTION; SUPERNUMERARY TEETH; THIRD MOLARS; IMPACTED TEETH; INCISION AND DRAINAGE}