Oral Surgery in Irvine, CA: Experienced, Comfortable Care
Needing oral surgery Irvine, CA patients often have the same first questions: will this hurt, and how long is recovery? At Smile By Design Dental Group, every surgical case, from a single extraction to pre-implant bone grafting, gets the same unhurried, conservative approach we use for every other treatment. We accept most major dental insurance plans, and our team provides care in English, Korean, and Spanish, so language is never a barrier to understanding your options. If you have questions before booking, and we'll walk you through what to expect.
Why Patients in Irvine Choose Smile By Design for Oral Surgery
Specialist-Level Surgical Experience in a Comfortable Setting
Much of the oral surgery Irvine, CA patients need with us starts as a referral for a complex extraction, a tooth requiring surgical removal, or a site that needs preparation for a dental implant. Dr. Michael Choi has completed more than 35,000 implant surgeries and restorations, and that experience carries directly into extractions, grafting, and other procedures requiring a steady, precise hand. We also hold to the same preserve-first philosophy used across every service: surgery is recommended only when it's the right next step, not the most profitable one.
Oral Surgery Procedures We Perform
Oral surgery covers more ground than a routine filling or crown. Here's what we treat most often.
Surgical Tooth Extractions
Teeth broken below the gumline, impacted, or affected by advanced decay often need a surgical approach rather than a simple extraction. Our tooth extractions page covers both routine and surgical extractions in detail. A surgical tooth extraction in Irvine typically involves a small incision and, in some cases, sectioning the tooth to remove it in pieces.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth are one of the most common reasons patients need oral surgery. We evaluate positioning with imaging before recommending removal; our wisdom teeth removal page covers the full process.
Pre-Implant Surgical Preparation (Bone Grafting, Site Prep)
When a tooth has been missing for a while, or bone volume is too thin to support an implant, bone grafting can rebuild the site before placement. This surgical step often makes implant treatment possible for patients once told they weren't candidates.
PRP Therapy for Accelerated Healing
For some surgical cases, we offer PRP therapy, which uses a concentrated portion of your own blood plasma to support healing at the surgical site. It isn't needed for every procedure, but it's available when it may help you recover more comfortably.
What to Expect During Your Oral Surgery Appointment
Dr. Michael Choi, DMD
Prosthodontist & Specialist
Care Led by Irvine Specialist
Your Pre-Surgical Consultation
Before any surgical date is set, you'll meet with Dr. Michael Choi or Dr. Grace Ahn for an exam, imaging, and a review of your health history and medications. This is when we build your written treatment plan, so you know the steps, sedation options, and cost before committing to anything.
During the Procedure
Local anesthesia is used for every surgical procedure, with sedation added when appropriate. Our goal is for you to feel calm and informed, not rushed. We'll explain what's happening as we go, at your own pace.
Recovery and Aftercare Guidance
After surgery, you'll receive written aftercare instructions covering swelling, diet, and activity for the following days. Most patients return to normal activity within a few days, though healing time depends on the procedure and your own healing pattern. We're available if questions come up once you're home.
What Happens If Oral Surgery Is Delayed
Putting off a needed surgical extraction or pre-implant bone graft can allow infection, bone loss, or damage to nearby teeth to progress, sometimes making eventual treatment more involved than it would have been earlier. Waiting can also narrow your options; bone that once supported a straightforward implant may later require grafting first. If you're unsure whether your situation can wait, we're glad to help you understand your timeline at a consultation.
Sedation Options That Make Oral Surgery More Manageable
If being fully awake during a surgical procedure makes you uneasy, we offer sedation dentistry, including oral conscious sedation and IV sedation. Sedation is offered based on your procedure and comfort level, not applied as a default. We'll discuss which option, if any, fits your situation at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery in Irvine
Is oral surgery painful?
How long does recovery take after dental surgery?
Does insurance cover oral surgery at Smile By Design?
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon in Irvine?
Considering Oral Surgery? Let's Talk Through Your Options First
Whether you need a surgical extraction, wisdom teeth removal, or pre-implant bone grafting, you deserve a clear picture of what's involved before deciding anything. Reach out and we'll walk you through your options at your own pace.