Oral surgery in San Diego, CA is the surgical treatment of the teeth, gums, jawbone, and soft tissues inside your mouth. Common procedures include tooth extractions, dental implant placement, bone grafting, tori removal, and frenectomies. At Radiant Smiles Dentistry, most oral surgery happens right in our cozy, modern office.
Routine dental treatment works on the tooth itself. Think fillings, crowns, and cleanings. Surgical care goes a step deeper, addressing the structures that support your teeth, which means the bone, the gum tissue, and sometimes the jaw joint or nerve pathways nearby.
That difference matters for planning. Before any incision, our team maps your anatomy with digital panoramic imaging so we know exactly where roots, sinuses, and nerves sit.
You have options for comfort, too. Local anesthesia keeps the surgical site completely numb, and sedation options are available when you'd rather feel relaxed and detached from the procedure. Many patients tell us the appointment felt far easier than they expected.
Jaw surgery and highly complex cases occasionally call for a specialist referral, and we'll tell you honestly when that's the better route. Everything else, from stubborn wisdom teeth to implant placement, we handle here in San Diego.
When problematic teeth are causing you pain and discomfort, remember that you have options. Surgical treatment often solves the problem at its root rather than patching over it.
Here's what oral surgery can do for you:
Less pain when you chew, a jawbone that holds its shape and volume, teeth that handle real food again, and a smile you're glad to show off.
Oral surgery at Radiant Smiles Dentistry follows five steps: an evaluation with digital imaging, a written treatment plan with anesthesia choices, the procedure itself (usually 30 to 90 minutes), detailed at-home recovery instructions, and a follow-up visit to confirm healing. Most patients feel noticeably better within a few days.
We start by listening. You'll walk us through your symptoms, your medical history, and every medication and supplement you take, because blood thinners, bisphosphonates, and diabetes management all shape a surgical plan. Digital panoramic imaging then shows us root position, bone density, and sinus proximity.
Next, we sit down and explain what we found in plain language. You'll hear which procedure we recommend, what the alternatives are, how long recovery typically takes, and what it will cost before anything gets scheduled. Anesthesia and sedation choices get decided here, together.
On surgery day, we numb the area thoroughly and check it twice before starting. Most appointments run 30 to 90 minutes. Netflix, a warm towel, and a blanket are yours for the asking.
You'll leave with written instructions, gauze, and a clear plan for managing soreness and swelling. Ice for the first day, rest, soft foods, and no straws. Our team stays reachable if anything feels off.
We check the site to confirm the tissue is closing properly. If you had an implant placed, this is also where we track bone integration and plan the crown that finishes your tooth replacement option.
Good candidates for oral surgery include patients with impacted or badly damaged teeth, severe decay beyond repair, a failed root canal, or missing teeth they want replaced. Bone grafting suits patients with jawbone loss ahead of implant placement. Soft tissue procedures help with tongue-tie, gum recession, and excess tori bone.
Before recommending surgery, we look closely at:
Surgery isn't always the first answer. A cracked tooth might do beautifully with a crown. A tooth with an infected nerve but a solid root can often be saved with root canal therapy. Our team will always try to save your natural teeth first, and we'll tell you plainly when saving one isn't realistic.
Surgery takes trust. Here's what our patients tell us matters most:
Dr. Raymond Wright III, DDS earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 2005, along with a BS and MS in Biological Sciences-Microbiology from Illinois State University. After graduation, he completed a post-graduate mentorship with two MAGD doctors, training that sharpened his surgical and restorative technique.
Our practice holds memberships in the American Dental Association (ADA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the California Dental Association (CDA), and the San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS). You can also read what our happy patients say on Google.
The procedure itself shouldn't hurt. Local anesthesia fully numbs the surgical site, and sedation options are available if dental anxiety is part of your picture. Afterward, expect soreness and some swelling for a few days, which most patients manage well with prescribed or over-the-counter medication plus ice.
Initial healing usually takes 3 to 5 days, with soft tissue closing over roughly 1 to 2 weeks. Most people return to work or school the next day after a simple extraction. Dental implants need additional time for the bone to fuse around the post, typically several months, before the final crown is placed.
Cost depends entirely on the procedure, the number of teeth involved, and whether grafting or sedation is needed. In general, a simple extraction sits at the lower end of surgical fees, while implant treatment that includes bone grafting and a final crown sits at the higher end. Many dental plans cover medically necessary extractions and a portion of implant treatment, though coverage varies widely by policy. We'll review your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment begins, and you're welcome to ask for the exact fee for your recommended procedure when you call.
Yes, if you had only local anesthesia. If you receive any form of sedation, you'll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours. We'll confirm your ride arrangements when we schedule your appointment.
Stick to cool, soft foods for the first 24 to 48 hours. Yogurt, smoothies (spoon, not straw), scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and soup that's cooled down all work well. Skip anything crunchy, seedy, spicy, or very hot until the site has closed, and avoid alcohol and tobacco while you heal.
No referral is needed. You can call us directly and we'll evaluate you ourselves, including imaging and a treatment plan. For rare, highly complex cases such as major jaw reconstruction, we'll coordinate a referral to a specialist and stay involved in your restorative care.
Tooth pain, swelling, or a suspected abscess deserves attention now, not next month. Our San Diego office reserves time for same-week and emergency evaluations, so call (858) 330-7665 or request a visit online.
You'll get a clear explanation of what's happening, what your options are, and what each one costs. No pressure, no rush.
Ready to get a radiant smile? Let's get you comfortable, healthy, and ready to smile with confidence again.