Can a pediatric dentist perform oral surgery, or does my child need an oral surgeon?

Many pediatric surgical procedures are safely and routinely performed in-office by a pediatric dentist with surgical training. For cases that need a hospital setting, we coordinate that care directly — you’re never left to figure it out alone. Dr. Trahan has extensive surgical training and experience, much more than a typical pediatric dentist.

How long does recovery from oral surgery take for kids?

Faster than most parents expect. Children typically return to normal eating and play within a day or two. We’ll give you simple, specific home-care instructions for your child’s procedure.

Will my child be in pain during the procedure?

No — comfort is planned before anything begins. Depending on your child and the procedure, that ranges from local anesthetic with nitrous oxide to deeper sedation options we’ll discuss together in advance.

What if I want a second opinion?

We welcome it. An informed, confident parent is part of a good outcome. We’re happy to share records and imaging with any provider you choose.

Pediatric Oral Surgery

Advanced care

When a child needs an extraction, a frenectomy, or another surgical procedure, experience is everything — and few pediatric dentists bring more of it than Dr. Trahan.

New PatientsGet Started Here

A smiling child wearing sunglasses holds a plush shark while sitting in a dental chair, accompanied by a cheerful dentist in a pink shirt.

When surgery is the right care

No parent wants to hear the word surgery. But sometimes it's the treatment that protects your child — when a tooth is badly infected, when trauma threatens the adult tooth developing underneath, or when a tight frenum interferes with feeding or speech.

The good news: in experienced hands, pediatric surgical procedures are routine, brief, and children recover remarkably fast — usually back to normal within a day or two.

0

Years

Of active-duty Air Force dental service behind her surgical training.

What we treat surgically:

Extractions & surgical treatment

Badly decayed or infected teeth that can't be saved
Trauma cases protecting the developing adult tooth
Space management coordinated with orthodontic planning
Performed in-office with the right comfort options

Laser frenectomies

For tongue and lip ties affecting feeding, speech, or hygiene
Brief, precise, minimal bleeding
Quick recovery — often done the day it's recommended
From infancy onward

In-office when it's safe, hospital-coordinated when it's right — we match the setting to your child, never the other way around.

What to expect:

1

A real conversation first.

What we found, why we're recommending it, what the options are, and what happens if we wait. Every surgical plan starts with you fully informed.

2

Comfort planned in.

Sedation and anesthesia planning is part of the surgical plan, not an afterthought — from nitrous oxide to hospital-based general anesthesia when appropriate.

3

Fast recovery, clear instructions.

Kids heal fast. You'll leave with simple home-care instructions and know exactly what's normal and what warrants a call.

A smiling woman with long, light brown hair and glasses, standing in an office setting adorned with framed certificates, exuding a friendly and professional demeanor.

Dr. Trahan's surgical training comes from her years as a U.S. Air Force dentist — and she now lectures on surgical techniques to pediatric dentists nationwide.

As a visiting professor at UCLA, she teaches microsurgical techniques to the next generation of pediatric dental specialists.

Did You Know?

Surgery is a scary word — most of what parents fear about it isn't true.

Misconception If my child needs surgery, I have to figure out anesthesia on my own.

what's actually true

Sedation and anesthesia planning is part of the treatment plan. We walk you through every option, and hospital-based general anesthesia is available when appropriate.

Misconception Any dentist is equally qualified to do surgical procedures on children.

what's actually true

Pediatric surgical technique is a specialized skill — it’s one of the areas Dr. Trahan lectures on to other pediatric dentists nationwide.

Misconception Kids bounce back slowly from oral procedures.

what's actually true

Children typically heal remarkably fast. Most are back to normal routines within a day or two, with simple home-care instructions.

Misconception A frenectomy is a major operation.

what's actually true

A laser frenectomy is a brief, precise procedure with minimal bleeding and quick recovery.

Misconception Surgery on a baby tooth isn’t worth doing.

what's actually true

When infection or trauma threatens a child’s health or the developing adult tooth, timely surgical care protects both.

Misconception Extractions and surgery for kids should be done at a hospital by an oral surgeon.

what's actually true

Many pediatric surgical procedures are safely and routinely performed in office by a pediatric dentist with surgical training; we coordinate hospital-based care for the cases that truly need it.

Misconception A pediatric dentist does not do oral surgery.

what's actually true

Dr. Trahan has extensive surgical experience from her Air Force service and teaches microsurgical techniques to pediatric dental residents at UCLA.