Oral Surgery Services In El Cajon, CA

Oral surgery is an essential part of comprehensive dental care, addressing various issues related to the teeth, gums, and jaw. At the El Cajon family dentistry office of Brenda Evans Louka DDS, we offer a range of standard oral surgery services to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care. Our skilled team is experienced in performing procedures such as extractions, root canals, periodontal surgery, implants, sinus lifts, and bone grafts, all while prioritizing your comfort and safety. We also provide general sedation when appropriate to ensure a comfortable experience during your procedure.

Extractions

Tooth extractions are performed when a tooth is damaged beyond repair or causing crowding issues in the mouth. This procedure involves numbing the area, loosening the tooth, and removing it using forceps. Recovery typically takes about 1-2 weeks, during which you should avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and consuming hard or crunchy foods. Patients may experience mild discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.

Root Canals

A root canal is performed when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes infected or inflamed, often due to decay or injury. This procedure involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canal, and sealing the space with a filling material. A crown is usually placed over the treated tooth to protect it from further damage. Most patients can expect a recovery period of a few days to a week, with possible mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery treats gum disease and restores the health of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. This may involve procedures such as flap surgery, gingivectomy, or gum grafting. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery, but patients can generally expect to return to normal activities within a week. It's essential to maintain proper oral hygiene and follow your dentist's instructions to ensure a successful recovery.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. The process involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which serves as the artificial tooth root. Once the implant has fused with the bone (usually after 3-6 months), a crown is attached to the post, completing the restoration. Recovery time varies, with mild discomfort and swelling expected for the first few days. Patients should avoid hard or crunchy foods and follow a soft diet during the initial healing period.

Sinus Lifts

A sinus lift is a procedure performed when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw to support dental implants. The surgery involves raising the sinus membrane and placing a bone graft in the area to increase bone volume. Recovery time varies, but patients can generally expect to return to normal activities within a week. Some mild discomfort, swelling, and bleeding may occur, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.

Bone Grafts

Bone grafts are used to rebuild or augment the jawbone to support dental implants or other restorative procedures. The procedure involves placing a graft material (either from the patient, a donor, or synthetic) in the area where more bone is needed. Recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery, but patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.

General Sedation

At Brenda Evans Louka DDS Family Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and offer general sedation when appropriate for your procedure. General sedation, also known as "sleep dentistry," involves the use of medications to help patients relax or sleep during their dental procedures. This type of sedation is suitable for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing lengthy or complex treatments. Our experienced team will carefully monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. At the El Cajon family dentistry office of Brenda Evans Louka DDS, our goal is to provide comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of each patient. By offering a range of standard oral surgery services, we are able to address a variety of dental issues while ensuring the highest level of comfort and care. If you are in need of oral surgery or have questions about any of the procedures mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team. We are here to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.