Pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgeons can correct birth defects.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the surgical specialists of the dental profession. Pediatric surgeons have the additional training and experience needed to perform surgery on children.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is performed on pediatric patients to correct defects or repair injuries to the jaw, mouth, head and face. A child born with a cleft palate or a child hit in the face with a baseball during a game could require such surgery.
Techniques
While performing oral and maxillofacial surgery on a pediatric patient, a surgeon must take into account the fact that the bones and tissues involved will continue to grow as the child ages, according to "Peterson's Principles of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery."
Considerations
Children can be difficult to sedate safely for oral and maxillofacial surgery. One of the risks of undergoing surgery is an adverse reaction to anesthesia, which can range from nausea upon waking to depressed breathing and even death.
Tags: maxillofacial surgeons, Maxillofacial Surgery, oral maxillofacial, Oral Maxillofacial, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
