Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is a specialized focus of oral care that incorporates surgical intervention through services and procedures designed to treat diseases, disorders, and injuries of the oral cavity, jaws, and facial anatomy. It is a field that combines the knowledge and skills of both dentistry and medicine and, as such, is a highly specialized area of oral health care.

The types of oral surgery procedures we provide in our office include tooth extractions, gum flap surgery, gum graft surgery, and laser gum surgery. We have a team of highly skilled surgeons who have extensive experience in providing these types of services, and we are proud to be able to offer them to our patients.

If you are in need of any type of oral surgery procedure, we encourage you to contact our La Habra, CA office to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we will work with you to ensure that you receive the best possible care.

Tooth Extractions

Surgical tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that has not yet erupted from the gums. This type of procedure is typically done when a tooth becomes impacted due to overcrowding or begins growing in at an incorrect angle; this is often the case with wisdom teeth. A surgical extraction may also be required to remove teeth that have broken off at the gum line due to a traumatic injury.

To begin the procedure, we will make a small incision in the gums to expose the tooth and the bone surrounding it.
We will then use special instruments to loosen the tooth before carefully extracting it from the socket. In some cases, we may also need to remove bone tissue or connective tissue around the tooth before it can be extracted.
After the tooth has been removed, we will close the incision with sutures and provide you with post-operative instructions.

You can expect some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. It is important to follow a soft food diet for a few days as your mouth recovers.

If you are in need of a surgical tooth extraction, please call our office to schedule an appointment.

a man in a white lab coat and blue gloves

Gum Flap Surgery

Gum flap surgery, also known as gingival flap surgery or periodontal flap surgery, is a procedure performed to treat the persistence of disease or infection within the gum tissue and put an abrupt end to the progression of advanced stages of gum disease.

The procedure involves pulling back the gums and removing any diseased tissue or accumulations of bacteria, plaque, or tartar.
The healthy tissue is then put back in place and sutured into position.
When finally attached to clean teeth and bone, the gum is given the opportunity to reattach – thus preventing future accumulations from occurring.

Recovery from gum flap surgery can take anywhere between one and two weeks. Below, we have outlined some details regarding what to expect as you recover to ensure a smooth process.

During this time, it is important to spend the first few days following a liquid diet so as not to disturb the oral tissue during healing. After a few days have passed, you may make a transition to soft foods until the site is fully healed.
Any discomfort or swelling can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication.
While recovering, it is also important to practice good oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing. Perform your normal oral hygiene routine in all parts of the mouth, except the surgical site; only begin treating this area once sutures have been removed or dissolved. Until then, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the crowns of these teeth.

If you have any questions or concerns about gum flap surgery, please contact our office today!

Laser Gum Surgery

Laser gum surgery is a procedure that uses a laser to remove diseased tissue from the gums. Quite similar to gum flap surgery but much less invasive, laser gum surgery can be used to treat gum disease and eradicate the existence of diseased tissue, plaque, and tartar below the gumline. The laser will ensure that the gum tissue and bone are thoroughly cleaned and resurfaced, which will make it more difficult for bacteria to reach or accumulate in these areas in the future.

When gum disease is left untreated, this can cause the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. Laser gum surgery can help to prevent this from happening – all without the need for a single incision. By treating diseased tissue below the gum line without cutting or suturing, recovery tends to be much faster and more comfortable for the patient.

a woman getting her teeth checked by a dentist

Gum Graft Surgery

Gum graft surgery is a commonly performed dental procedure used to restore gums that have receded due to gum disease or aggressive brushing. The procedure serves its purpose as both a cosmetic enhancement of the smile, as well as an improvement in oral health. Gums that are severely recessed leave a sensitive portion of the tooth root exposed; this can lead to painful temperature sensitivity while eating or drinking. In addition, this could cause the teeth to become loose as they are less supported by the gum tissue.

Gum graft surgery involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth and using it to cover the exposed root surfaces. This can be done by taking a small strip of tissue from the roof of the mouth and suturing it over the area of recessed gums.

a man sitting in a chair in front of a monitor

After the grafting material has been secured, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits to ensure that the gum tissue stays healthy. This includes gently brushing twice a day and flossing daily. While the area is healing, it is important that you follow the below guidelines:

When the graft is first placed, we recommend that you avoid brushing or flossing the surgical site until it has healed. Instead, only clean the crowns of these teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
For the first 24 hours, following a liquid diet will help to ensure damage does not occur to the newly placed tissue. This may include a range of dietary supplement drinks or smoothies. Be sure not to use a straw!
After 24 hours have passed, you may enjoy soft foods – being careful to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
The site will heal within one to two weeks, and you will be able to resume a regular diet and hygiene routine.

Your Team Of Skilled, Surgical Specialists

During your surgical journey at Gold Coast Dental, we will ensure your confidence and satisfaction throughout the entire process. From surgery preparation to recovery, we will be by your side every step of the way. If you have any questions at any time before or after the surgery, you can call us! We are available seven days a week to answer any of your questions or address concerns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!