Oral Surgery in San Bernardino

At the San Bernardino family dentistry of Brenda Evans Louka DDS, we offer oral surgery services to address your dental concerns. Our professional and experienced team ensures you receive the highest level of care throughout your treatment. Let this guide you through some of our most common oral surgery services and give you an idea of their recovery time.

Extractions

Tooth extractions are a common oral surgery procedure performed at our family dentistry office. Extractions may be necessary for various reasons, such as severe tooth decay, gum disease, or impaction. The extraction process involves numbing the area around the tooth, loosening it, and gently removing it from the socket. Recovery time for a simple extraction is typically a few days, but it may take longer for more complicated extractions, such as wisdom teeth removal.

Root Canals

A root canal involves treating a tooth with a damaged or infected pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue within the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves, and when it becomes infected or damaged, it can cause severe pain and discomfort. If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and lead to tooth loss.

During a root canal, the dentist will access the tooth's pulp chamber, remove the infected or damaged tissue, and clean the inside of the tooth. The tooth is then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent further infection. A dental crown is often placed over the treated tooth to restore strength and appearance. Root canal treatment can often be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the infection's severity and the procedure's complexity. Recovery from a root canal is usually quick, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort and being able to return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery is a dental procedure to treat advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums, which can eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal surgery helps restore your gums' health and minimize the risk of further damage. Depending on the severity of the gum disease and the patient's needs, there are various types of periodontal surgeries, such as flap surgery, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration.

During flap surgery, the gums are gently lifted away from the teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup. The gums are then sutured back into place, allowing them to heal and reattach to the teeth. In cases where bone loss has occurred, bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration may be necessary to promote new bone growth and restore the stability of the teeth. Recovery from periodontal surgery generally takes a few weeks, and patients can expect some discomfort and swelling in the first few days following the procedure.

Implants

Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. This procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which will eventually support a custom-made dental crown. The implant fuses with the bone over time, providing a stable and secure foundation for the replacement tooth. The entire process can take several months from start to finish, as it allows for proper healing and integration of the implant. However, once completed, dental implants can last for decades with proper care.

Sinus Lifts

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure performed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, particularly in the area where your molars and premolars are located. This is often necessary when there is insufficient bone height for dental implant placement. During a sinus lift, a small window is created in the bone, and the sinus membrane is gently lifted. Bone graft material is then placed into the space, and the area is closed with stitches. The healing period for a sinus lift can take several months, as the bone graft needs time to integrate with the existing bone.

Bone Grafts

Bone grafting is a procedure that involves adding bone material to areas where bone loss has occurred. It is often needed for dental implant placement when there is insufficient bone to support the implant. During the procedure, the graft material is placed where additional bone is required, and the site is closed with stitches. The recovery time for a bone graft can vary depending on the size and location of the graft, but it typically takes several months for the graft to integrate with the existing bone fully.

General Sedation for Dental Services

At the San Bernardino family dentistry office of Brenda Evans Louka DDS, we understand that dental anxiety is common and strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible. For this reason, we offer general sedation when appropriate for the surgical procedure being performed. General sedation involves administering medications that help you relax or sleep during the procedure. This option is ideal for patients who experience significant anxiety, have a low pain threshold, or require extensive dental work.

At the San Bernardino family dentistry office of Brenda Evans Louka DDS, we are committed to providing comprehensive oral surgery services tailored to your unique dental needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring comfort and satisfaction throughout your treatment. You can trust us to deliver top-quality care for your dental needs.