Pediatric Oral Surgery
in Denver, CO

Our practice in Denver offers specialized oral surgery to address a range of complex dental conditions in children. With a focus on the unique needs of young patients, Dr. Nesiba provides expert care in a calm, kid-friendly environment. Procedures are carefully tailored to ensure comfort, minimize anxiety, and promote a quick recovery. Our practice aims to support children’s oral health and well-being by combining advanced techniques with compassionate care. As a result, young patients receive a positive experience that contributes to physical and emotional growth during their critical developmental years.

Table Of Contents

table of contents

What Is Pediatric
Oral Surgery?

Pediatric oral surgery is a branch of dentistry focused on procedures for children’s dental issues that cannot be resolved through regular treatment. This specialized field addresses conditions such as impacted teeth, dental trauma, congenital abnormalities, severe tooth decay requiring extraction, and soft tissue problems in young patients. Dr. Nesiba is an expert in managing children’s anatomical, physiological, and psychological needs during surgical interventions.

Our Pediatric Services

Tooth Extractions

We understand that tooth extractions can be intimidating for children. That’s why we prioritize kid-friendly dental care in every procedure. Our gentle approach and soothing environment help ease anxiety while ensuring the extraction process is as comfortable as possible. We take the time to explain each step of the procedure to parents and children, creating a positive experience that contributes to maintaining healthy smiles for years to come.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Adolescents and teens often require wisdom teeth removed during their high school or early college years. Our team provides comprehensive evaluations to determine the optimal timing for extraction, preventing potential complications, such as impaction, crowding, or infection. We offer various sedation options tailored to each patient’s comfort level, ensuring a smooth procedure and recovery process that minimizes disruption to busy school and activity schedules.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a simple procedure that addresses tongue-tie or lip-tie conditions, which may affect speech development and feeding abilities. Our gentle approach to this quick treatment can significantly improve your child’s dental health and overall well-being. We carefully evaluate each case to determine if a frenectomy is appropriate, providing detailed care instructions to ensure quick healing and optimal results.

Exposure of Impacted Teeth

When teeth fail to emerge properly through the gums, our specialized surgical techniques can help guide them into their correct positions. We create a comprehensive treatment plan for exposing impacted teeth, particularly canines, which are essential for proper dental alignment. Our minimally invasive approach reduces recovery time and discomfort, helping your child achieve a properly aligned smile with minimal interruption to their daily activities.

Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Our compassionate surgical team specializes in treating cleft lip and palate conditions. This transformative surgery improves facial appearance and enhances breathing, feeding, and speech development. We provide comprehensive care throughout the treatment journey, supporting patients and families with education and resources at every stage of recovery.

Dental Abscess and Infection Treatment

Dental infections require prompt attention to prevent serious complications and relieve pain. Our pediatric team provides gentle but effective treatment for dental abscesses, using age-appropriate techniques to drain swollen areas and to prescribe appropriate antibiotics when necessary. We focus on resolving the immediate infection and addressing the underlying causes to prevent recurrence, all while ensuring your child feels safe and comfortable throughout treatment.

Orthognathic Surgery

For adolescents with significant jaw alignment issues, orthognathic surgery offers transformative results for proper function and appearance. This specialized procedure corrects skeletal discrepancies that affect chewing, speaking, and facial harmony. Our surgical team creates a comprehensive treatment plan, utilizing advanced 3D imaging to achieve precise outcomes. We guide patients and families through this significant but rewarding journey toward improved function and confidence.

Initial Consultation

During the initial visit, our pediatric dentist, Dr. Nesiba, evaluates the child’s oral health and discusses the procedure. He reviews the patient’s medical history and answers any questions the parents or guardians may have regarding the surgery. Parents are often asked to complete patient forms that provide essential information about the child’s health and any previous dental treatments. This helps ensure that Dr. Nesiba can plan the procedure with a thorough understanding of the child’s needs. He will also explain the anesthesia options, recovery expectations, and any preoperative instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for the young patient.

Our Approach to Preventing Dental Anxiety in Children

We understand that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many children. Our approach to preventing these feelings focuses on creating a calm, welcoming environment and building trust from the first visit. Dr. Nesiba explains each procedure in simple, age-appropriate language, helping the child feel informed and comfortable. We also use gentle techniques and positive reinforcement throughout the appointment, ensuring each experience is as stress-free as possible. For children who may need extra support, we offer a range of sedation options, including nitrous oxide (commonly known as “laughing gas”), to help them relax during treatment. By fostering a positive, non-threatening atmosphere, we aim to reduce fear and help young patients develop a healthy relationship with dental care that lasts a lifetime.

Recovery After
Pediatric Dental Care

Recovery is typically quick and manageable, especially for less invasive procedures. After dental treatment, children may experience mild discomfort or swelling, usually subsiding within a few hours. In cases where anesthesia or sedation was used, parents are advised to monitor their child and ensure they are comfortable at home. Soft foods and plenty of fluids are recommended for the first few days, and children must avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods.
Parents should contact our dental office for guidance if there are any concerns, such as persistent pain or unusual swelling. Children generally recover swiftly with proper care and attention, allowing them to return to normal activities without significant disruption. Dr. Nesiba provides specific instructions for each patient based on their condition and needs.

Candidates for Pediatric Oral Surgery

Pediatric oral surgery may be necessary for children who experience certain dental conditions or issues that cannot be treated with standard procedures. Our thorough assessments ensure each patient receives the best care possible. Candidates for pediatric oral surgery typically include children with the following conditions:

Benefits of Pediatric Dental Services

Improved Oral Health

Pediatric oral surgery addresses serious dental issues that routine treatments cannot resolve. Correcting conditions such as impacted teeth, dental trauma, or congenital abnormalities, our procedures help maintain or restore a child’s oral health, preventing future complications. Proper intervention at an early age leads to healthier teeth and gums, reducing the risk of long-term dental problems that could impact overall well-being.

Enhanced Functionality

Oral surgery can significantly improve mouth functionality in children with cleft lip and palate, jaw misalignment, or soft tissue problems. Corrective procedures restore normal eating, speaking, and breathing abilities, allowing young patients to engage in daily activities confidently. With cutting-edge technology, our surgeries minimize the impact on the child’s development and quality of life.

Aesthetic Improvement

Pediatric oral treatment often involves enhancing a child’s facial appearance, particularly in cases of congenital abnormalities or dental trauma. Surgeries that correct cleft lip and jaw misalignments can dramatically improve a child’s facial symmetry, leading to higher self-esteem and confidence. These aesthetic improvements are critical as children grow and develop socially.

Long-Term Dental Benefits

By addressing underlying dental issues early, pediatric oral surgery can prevent more complex and invasive treatments later in life. Corrective surgeries help ensure that children’s teeth and jaws grow correctly, reducing the need for extensive orthodontic work or additional procedures in the future. This proactive approach to dental care promotes long-term oral health and a more comfortable experience for the child as they mature.

Cost of Pediatric Oral Surgery
in Denver, CO

The cost of pediatric oral surgery in Denver ranges from $800 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it requires general anesthesia. Child health plans can cover a portion of these expenses. We recommend consulting your insurance provider to understand your coverage and reimbursement details. Our team can assist you with this process.

We Are Experts in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Cherry Creek Oral Surgery revolutionizes pediatric dentistry through an exceptional approach to young patients. With Dr. Nesiba’s triple-board certification and specialized training in prestigious institutions, our team offers unparalleled expertise in pediatric procedures. Dr. Nesiba’s privileges at Children’s Hospital in Aurora demonstrate his commitment to pediatric surgical excellence. In addition, our practice includes advanced care protocols, ensuring children receive treatment tailored to their unique anatomical and emotional needs.
Beyond technical proficiency, Cherry Creek Oral Surgery creates an environment where younger patients feel genuinely understood and respected, transforming potentially frightening experiences into manageable ones. Our dedication to pediatric care is based on a comprehensive philosophy that supports children through every stage of treatment and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a pediatric oral surgeon a real specialty?

There is no separate board for pediatric oral surgery. Children are treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have pediatric training and hospital privileges. Dr. Nesiba holds privileges at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, is PALS certified, and completed a six-year hospital residency that included pediatric anesthesia and facial trauma.

Why would a child need an oral surgeon instead of a dentist?

Common reasons include impacted or extra teeth, exposing a stuck canine for braces, a tongue- or lip-tie release, removing a cyst, or dental injuries from a fall or sports. Orthodontists and pediatric dentists in Denver refer to our office when the procedure requires surgery or sedation.

How much does pediatric oral surgery cost in Denver?

Published averages for children’s oral surgery range from roughly $800 for a simple extraction under nitrous oxide to $5,000 or more for a complex procedure under general anesthesia. These are market figures, not our fee. Cherry Creek Oral Surgery accepts Colorado Medicaid for patients 18 and under and many commercial plans, and we quote your exact cost at the consultation. book a consultation to get started.

Will my child be asleep for the procedure?

That depends on the procedure and your child’s anxiety. Options range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to IV sedation in our office. Dr. Nesiba is an MD and DDS with ACLS and PALS certification and performs more than 2,000 sedation cases a year, and a parent stays with the child until they are relaxed.

What is the best age to remove a teenager's wisdom teeth?

Most oral surgeons evaluate wisdom teeth between ages 15 and 18, when the roots are still forming and removal is simpler with faster healing. Dr. Nesiba uses a panoramic X-ray to decide whether to remove them now or monitor them. Read more on our wisdom teeth removal page.

Pediatric Oral Surgery in Denver, CO

What Is Pediatric Oral Surgery?