Oral Surgery in Mission Viejo

As an experienced, well-rounded dental practice, it is the goal of the Oso Marguerite Dental in Mission Viejo team to offer solutions to many oral hygiene concerns. At times, these treatments involve oral surgery. The following surgical interventions are comfortably and conveniently offered in our office.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Dental Extractions

When a person experiences extreme sensitivity in a tooth, an extraction is sometimes necessary. While this is often viewed as a last resort after making efforts to save the tooth, extracting a tooth that cannot be saved is important to preserve the health of surrounding teeth and the jaw.

Some common reasons for an extraction include:

  • Removing wisdom teeth when there is no room or they fail to break through the gum line
  • Advanced periodontal disease that loosens the roots of a tooth
  • Extra teeth in the mouth that impede the eruption of permanent teeth
  • Preparation for orthodontic treatment
  • Removing a fractured tooth
  • Severe tooth decay which cannot be corrected with a root canal

The Oso Marguerite Dental team performs two types of extractions in our office – surgical and non-surgical. A surgical extraction requires that an incision be placed in the gum in order to remove the tooth. With a non-surgical extraction, the tooth is above the gum line and removed with a lifter or forceps, and no incision is necessary. The best approach to extraction varies by individual and depends greatly on the situation we are looking to remedy.

Gingival Grafting

Gum tissue is protective by nature, and when it recedes, the roots of the teeth are exposed. This can cause many problems including extreme sensitivity to hot and cold, pain, tooth decay, tooth loss and a less attractive smile. The Oso Marguerite Dental team offers a solution to this oral health concern with gum grafting.

The three types of gum grafting include:

  • Connective tissue grafts
  • Free gingival grafts
  • Pedicle grafts

The first two use tissue from the roof of the mouth, and the third uses tissue grafted from gums near the area needing repair. Gum grafting can be used to correct a gummy smile, correct teeth spacing, misalignment and gum recession. The most effective grafting method varies by individual and is determined after a thorough consultation and exam with the Oso Marguerite Dental team.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a surgical process that repairs the structure of the jaw to restore height, width and strength. It is often recommended when bone in the jaw has deteriorated due to disease, trauma or missing teeth. Bone grafting may be necessary before an implant is placed if the jaw is not strong enough to support the implant.

In the hands of the professionals at Oso Marguerite Dental, bone grafting is both safe and effective and can often be completed in one visit. The area being grafted is numbed prior to the procedure using local anesthetic, and afterwards, an antibiotic is often prescribed to assist in healing. After grafting, the new material will fuse with existing bone in the jaw and become a strong, integrated component.

Sinus Lift

Missing back teeth are often some of the most difficult in the mouth to restore. When upper back teeth are missing, bone material deteriorates over time and can cause an expansion of the sinus cavity. To correct this, a sinus lift is often recommended.

A sinus lift is a procedure that rebuilds bone in the sinus wall so that there is enough support to hold implants in place. To complete this procedure, your dentist creates a small incision in the pre-molar or molar region of the jaw to expose the bone. The membrane lining is then pushed upwards, and bone grafting material is placed in the underlying space. The incision is then sutured so healing can begin. After a few months, the bone integrates into the jaw and dental implants can be effectively placed. The Oso Marguerite Dental team performs sinus lifts in the comfort of our office using general anesthesia to keep patients comfortable.

Implant Placement

Dental implants offer comfortable, natural looking replacements for missing teeth. Placing them is typically a multi-step, multi-visit process.

In the first step, an incision is made in the gum to expose the bone below. A drill is then used to place a small hole with precision in the bone, and a titanium post is placed in the hole. Finally, the area is stitched, and the surgeon will take a digital x-ray to determine the implant was placed correctly.

In the second step, the patient returns after healing and when the implant has bonded to the bone. With local anesthesia to control any discomfort, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum and exposes the implant. A protective screw is removed from the implant, and it is replaced by a cap that sits above the gumline. Then, another healing stage takes place.

Approximately two to three weeks later, the permanent crown is placed by the dentist creating a natural looking, permanent tooth replacement.

Biopsy

A gum biopsy is used by Oso Marguerite Dental to determine the underlying cause of abnormal gum tissue. It involves removing a piece of tissue from the gums and sending it to the lab for analysis. Your dentist may remove a portion of suspicious tissue or an entire growth. Samples are collected using a small needle or a brush depending on the severity of the growth and how much tissue needs to be biopsied.

A gum biopsy is useful in evaluating many concerns including:

  • A persistent sore on the gums that lasts longer than two weeks
  • White or red patches on the gums
  • Ulcers or swelling
  • Changes in the gums that result in tooth loss
  • Oral Cancer

The Oso Marguerite Dental team uses biopsies as necessary in conjunction with other diagnostic tools including digital radiographs. At times, patients may also be referred to other practitioners for a CT scan or MRI to best evaluate the condition and develop the most effective and least invasive treatment plan. This important tool aids in early detection of many oral health conditions which often results in less invasive measures being effective, reduced scarring and a higher survival rate.

Oso Marguerite Dental provides the highest level of care in a friendly, safe and comfortable environment. Our team can assist you in managing a wide range of problems related to the teeth, jaws and mouth, helping to improve your smile and your health. If you are in need of an oral surgery consultation, call and schedule an appointment with our experienced dental team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I had oral surgery yesterday, and one of my stitches appears to have come out. What should I do?

    A stitch that falls out is not considered an emergency because they are placed to help with clotting and to control bleeding. However, if you are concerned, please call Oso Marguerite Dental. We will assess the situation and let you know if you need to be seen.

  • What kinds of foods should I eat immediately following surgery?

    On the day of surgery, it is a good idea to plan to eat cool, soft foods. Examples include applesauce, yogurt, and cottage cheese. After the first day, avoid chewing hard, crunchy foods with the tooth or site where you have had surgery. Instead, chew with the opposite side of the mouth. Depending on the procedure, Oso Marguerite Dental may recommend avoiding chewing with that tooth for up to six weeks. Consult with your dentist for the best advice.

  • What is the best course of action to avoid discomfort following oral surgery?

    Following surgery, Oso Marguerite Dental will typically prescribe a narcotic to help control any discomfort. Take the medication as prescribed for best results. Especially for the first day or two, it is very important to stay on top of any pain and not wait until you experience discomfort to take your medication. Additionally, some patients find relief by combining their prescribed pain medication with 600 mg of Motrin. Discuss your concerns with Oso Marguerite Dental, and know that we remain available post-surgery to assist with any additional questions.

  • I have questions about oral surgery that have not been answered here. What should I do?

    If you have additional questions about your upcoming or previous oral surgery appointment, simply contact Oso Marguerite Dental. It is always our goal to provide information and assist with any concerns to help you feel comfortable and confident.

Request an appointment

Contact Us (949) 582-6460