Smile Confidently: Discover Orange County’s Leading Oral Surgeons

1. Introduction

As diseases of the mouth continue to initiate other health problems, dental surgeons are becoming more and more crucial to preventative health care. Dental surgeons are able to prevent and treat diseases by taking care of problems on a level of severity. Many times, surgery is the only way to prevent diseases from taking a significant toll on a person’s overall health. This holds especially true for impacted wisdom teeth and removals of teeth infected with cavities or periodontal disease.

These surgeries will prevent infection from spreading and causing further health complications. Dental surgeons also play a big role in treating accident victims who have suffered oral injuries. These injuries are painful and often functionally and esthetically compromising. Victims of facial injuries can have it greatly affect their day to day lives and mental health so oral surgeons play a key role in providing treatments that promote healing and recovery.

Finally, oral surgeons play a crucial role in treatment of oral cancers. Cancers can affect any of the soft tissues of the oral cavity or the salivary glands. These are often life threatening and debilitating. Often times, they require surgery for removal and are followed up with reconstructive surgery to restore functionality and esthetics. With the process of chemotherapy and radiation, oral surgeons work as part of a team in providing treatments and facilitating the process of healing for these diseases.

Oral health is the gateway to a person’s overall health. The dental health industry continues to learn about the relationship between oral and overall health. Research is providing us with information of health problems that are initiated from infections in the mouth. Our knowledge of periodontal diseases contributing to other health problems has increased tremendously over the last two decades. These medical problems include stroke, diabetes, heart disease, heart attack, lung infection, and prematurity. These findings continue to solidify the importance of regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene practices.

1.1. Importance of Oral Health

A recent U.S. Surgeon General’s report (Healthy People 2010) on oral health in America found that “you can’t be healthy without oral health. Oral health and general health should not be interpreted as separate entities. Oral health is integral to overall health.” The report details that oral health is a critical component to overall health and that the diseases of the oral cavity (tooth decay and gum disease) are among the most prevalent. Further, it establishes that there are clear and consequential disparities in the incidence of oral diseases in population groups based on diversity of age, sex, race, and economic status.

Contributing to general health, oral health carries more importance than is often recognized. Oral health is integral to general health and quality of life. It is a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing.

1.2. Role of Oral Surgeons

Oral surgery is a branch of dentistry that is deemed to be a specialty. Oral surgeons concentrate mainly on the mouth, the jaws, the face, and the surrounding areas. Oral surgeons are real medical professionals, requiring both a dental and medical degree. The most common method to become an oral surgeon is to first become a dentist, and then go further into medical school to complete a medical degree. Another method, although less common, is to complete a medical degree, and then take dentistry as a postgraduate specialty.

This medical knowledge is what sets oral surgeons apart from their colleagues, because oral surgery requires an understanding of other medical issues and how they relate to the mouth. With less severe methods, localized anesthetics are used and the patient remains conscious throughout the procedure. For more severe methods, general anesthetics can be used to set the patient to sleep. This convenience of having medical and dental qualifications enables oral surgeons to have a better understanding of which method is best for the patient, and ensures a safe and risk-free procedure.

This ultimately leads to far more scientifically based experiences that deal with a variety of topics. These can include diagnosing unknown issues, caring for patients who have medical complexities, treating traumatic injuries, treating patients in hospital contexts, and a variety of surgical procedures. The scope of oral surgery is not only restricted to young adults and middle-aged people. It ranges universally and can help the elderly and also children.

This is especially important because children with medical complexities often find it hard to locate a professional who can treat them. In cases where oral surgery is not a viable treatment option, the oral surgeon will try and coordinate the best treatment for the patient and will at times work alongside other healthcare professionals. This role of leadership has profound implications because it requires an understanding of medical and dental treatments and how they can affect a patient. In any case, the final goal is to provide the best treatment and to improve the patient’s oral and general health.

2. Finding the Best Oral Surgeon in Orange County

Hunting down patient reviews is another way to gather information on local oral surgeons. Sites such as Yelp or Healthgrades.com can offer a wide range of opinions on different doctors based on the experiences of the reviewers. While online reviews can sometimes be biased they can still be very helpful in alerting you to both negative and positive experiences others have had with a particular surgeon. Use reviews to help guide your decision on potential candidates and always keep in mind the specific needs of your own dental condition.

Researching oral surgeons may seem to be an obvious first step, but it is not always as simple as Google. Referrals can be one of the most helpful means of finding a good surgeon. Consult your dentist and listen to what friends and family may have to say. Often times they can share personal experiences and give you a feel for what visiting the surgeon may be like. From here you can use the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website where you will find a list of local surgeons in your area. This tool can be useful and lists a variety of different surgeon information although it may not always be entirely up to date.

Perhaps you’re new to Orange County and need to find a specialist to handle your dental implant, or maybe you’ve simply decided to take your oral health on a different path. Whatever the case may be, there are many different approaches to locating an oral surgeon who is best suited for your specific needs.

2.1. Researching Oral Surgeons

Once you have a list of potential oral surgeons in your area, the next step is to conduct research by yourself and read patient reviews to gain further insight. Many people skip this step, believing that all professional healthcare workers are generally good and that there are not wide differences between those in the same field and industry. The truth is, not all doctors are created equal. Think about it. If you were going to get orthodontic braces, you wouldn’t decide on the first orthodontist you found simply because you liked the pricing, environment, or the way the doctor treated you.

You would want to be able to make an informed and knowledgeable decision about this significant investment. The same must be said about deciding on an oral surgeon. This is a person who is going to be cutting into your mouth and quite possibly your bone structure. You need to know exactly what he or she is doing to you. You should research the level of difficulty of your specific oral surgery procedure. If your research indicates higher complexity, you should aim to find a surgeon with experience doing that specific procedure.

Always remember that it’s your mouth, and you’re entitled to ask the surgeon how many times they have performed the specific procedure. In regards to removing impacted wisdom teeth or doing a tooth extraction, a safe bet to find this information is by asking your dentist who is referring you to the surgeon and asking the oral surgeon themselves. Oftentimes, an oral surgeon might inflate the complexity of the extraction to justify a higher cost. Get the specifics beforehand.

2.2. Reading Patient Reviews

Patient’s testimonials are reflecting his experience with a particular dental implant oral surgeon. Why is it important to consider? Let me emphasize their importance. Dental implant treatment often involves a substantial financial and emotional investment. This sometimes confusing and controversial procedure is widely accepted as the treatment of choice for many conditions. Your decision to invest in dental implants is an investment in your oral health, whole-body health, and quality of life.

The right implant treatment has the potential to bring positive life-altering changes in comfortable eating, confident smiling, and overall well-being. It is important to recognize that there is a wide variation in the quality and cost of dental implant treatment. If you understand why your dental professional is recommending removal of your wisdom teeth, what the surgery will involve, and what to expect during recovery, you will feel much more comfortable about the process.

The healthy, functional result will make the entire ordeal worthwhile. Ensure that you understand what your oral surgeon is recommending and why. This is especially important for elderly patients who will be receiving dental implants. These tips are provided to assist patients in their search for the right oral surgeon to perform successful dental implants. High success can mean low stress and avoiding complications related to poor dental implant treatment.

2.3. Checking Credentials and Experience

Consumers seeking a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon can verify a surgeon’s certification by accessing the website of the California State Medical Board. Similarly, a general dentist can be verified by accessing the website of the Dental Board of California. Certification materials information certifying that the individual in question has been awarded a certificate. Board certified oral surgeons and dentists have gone above and beyond their predoctoral and postdoctoral dental education.

This ensures that the service provider is a specialist with in-depth knowledge and proficiency in their specialty. Please be aware that there are various forms of certifications and not all certificates are equal. Some individuals may be awarded a certificate for completing a course of study. This should not be confused with certification.

For example, board certification of oral and maxillofacial surgeons is more rigorous than certification of specialists from many other professional fields. Board certification for oral and maxillofacial surgeons requires extensive written and oral examination of the candidate. A board-certified oral surgeon has demonstrated knowledge and in-depth understanding of a given specialty along with a proved clinical and surgical experience.

In order to perform any medical, dental or surgical procedure in the state of California, a dentist, oral surgeon or physician must possess a valid and current license. Unfortunately, many consumers including patients having surgery, assume that all doctors and dentists possess all necessary credentials to perform the procedures they advertise. However, this is not correct. Granting of a medical or dental degree merely signifies that the individual has completed the required education for that profession. It is not a reliable indication of the specific knowledge or competence needed to practice a specialty of the profession.

3. Services Offered by Orange County’s Leading Oral Surgeons

Lastly, TMJ disorders can cause severe discomfort and pain and affect the normal function of the jaw. In these cases, minor and less invasive surgery can offer a solution to TMJ disorders and various other jaw misalignments. With several services for various types of jaw problems, Orange County’s leading oral surgeons can provide an effective treatment to match the needs of any patient.

Jaw surgery is the recommended solution for problems and misalignments in the jaw that can cause difficulty chewing, talking, sleeping, and other routine activities. In severe cases, it can cause chronic pain and headaches. Using state-of-the-art virtual surgical planning and the latest in surgical techniques, Orange County’s leading oral surgeons can offer a solution with minimal recovery time.

The surgery itself can move the upper and lower jaws into a new position that will improve the overall function of the jaws and teeth. In addition, it corrects any misalignment that can be causing a non-receding chin or a protruding chin. Lastly, the surgeons will ensure a balanced facial appearance and can have a dramatic effect on the patients’ smiles and confidence. Through collaboration with general dentists and orthodontists, this surgery can vastly improve a patient’s quality of life.

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. Because the jaw does not have enough room for the wisdom teeth, they must push through other teeth and cause problems in the mouth. A wisdom tooth that has become impacted can result in various degrees of discomfort as well as pose a serious threat to the patient’s dental health. In most cases, the best solution is to remove the wisdom teeth as early as possible before the roots have fully developed. Highly skilled in oral surgery and dental extractions, Orange County’s leading oral surgeons are prepared to remove any wisdom tooth, no matter the complexity.

Dental implants are the solution for anyone missing one or more teeth. Implants involve the placement of a titanium anchor in the jaw to support a tooth-replacement prosthesis. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth and are designed to match the natural contours of the teeth. Implants are an ideal solution for anyone in good general health who has lost a tooth or teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or some other reason. For a complete smile that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth, Orange County’s leading oral surgeons recommend consulting with a dental implant specialist.

Orange County’s leading oral surgeons offer an assortment of services to revamp smiles, repair damaged teeth, and improve overall oral health. These surgeons specialize in dental prosthetics designed to restore teeth or replace missing teeth. With board-certified oral surgeons at the helm, clients can expect high-quality work and excellent results. Here is an overview of the current services offered.

3.1. Dental Implants

Dental implants are a type of restorative dental treatment that uses a replacement tooth root to provide a strong foundation for a replacement tooth or teeth. The dental implant is placed into the jawbone where it fuses with the bone over a period of three to six months. Once the implant has bonded with the bone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to the implant and an artificial tooth, called a crown, is attached to the abutment.

In some cases where there are multiple missing teeth or even an entire arch of teeth, an implant-supported bridge or denture will be used to replace the teeth. The implant-supported bridge or denture usually has some type of snap-on feature that allows it to connect to the implants and these types of restorations are a great option in replacing missing teeth because they do not require any work to be done on the adjacent teeth and they are very stable in the mouth.

The procedure to place implants is precise and is often done in several steps to ensure proper implant placement and positioning. Many times dental implants are placed by a team of specialists. This can include an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. The surgeon performs the dental implant surgery which involves placing the implant(s) into the jawbone. Follow-up care, such as placement of the abutment and restoration, is usually done by the restorative dentist. A general dentist can also perform the dental implant surgery and restorative procedure. However, many times if a general dentist feels that a difficult or complicated case would best be handled by a specialist, they will refer the patient to a surgeon.

3.2. Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Dr. Koshgerian and Dr. Shelton make this procedure very simple. First, a consultation is scheduled to get the patient well informed of the proposed procedure. The surgery itself would be performed in the comfort of one of our offices under local anesthesia, nitrous oxide analgesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used would be determined based on the patient’s preference, the position of the teeth, the depth of the impaction, and the overall assessment of the patient’s medical and dental health. Step-by-step pre and post-operative instructions will be thoroughly explained.

The doctors will be more than willing to respond to any and all questions or concerns. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled post-operatively to monitor the healing process and to assess any complications that may arise. A smooth postoperative course will allow for a quick and comfortable recovery and a resumption to a normal diet, hygiene, and activity.

This is the removal of the third molars. This can be done at any time after the tooth have made themselves visible. Ideally, it is best to remove them before they start causing problems. The roots are not fully developed and the surrounding bone is less dense, which makes extraction easier in younger patients. When the roots have not fully formed, the chance of damaging the nerve that runs through the lower jaw and towards the lower lip is less likely. Healing is also much faster in younger patients.

If no signs of problems are evident and the teeth are shown not to be impacted, it is recommended to monitor the growth and eruption of the wisdom teeth annually. If removal later on becomes necessary, the best time to remove them is before the onset of symptoms.

3.3. Jaw Surgery

Another major reason for jaw surgery that comes to the Orange County oral surgery offices is trauma. This can be anything from a sports injury to a car accident. Often times, trauma to the jaw will require emergency surgery. The key with any facial or dental injury is to have the injured area in good position prior to the healing process. This will ensure there is no interference with the natural bone and tooth relationships. Later, the patient will seek secondary jaw surgery to fully restore the area. Successful jaw surgery in these cases will allow the patient to say pass on an earlier statement such as, “The right side of my face will never be the same,” and there are often no long-term effects to the patient’s bite and tooth position.

Jaw surgery can be a real scary concept to patients, even though many times it can greatly enhance their quality of life. One of the most common reasons for jaw surgery is a birth defect or deformity, which can make life difficult for a patient. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have the ability to correct these deformities by moving the jaws and teeth into the proper position, greatly enhancing not only the patient’s appearance but also their ability to speak and chew. Other times, a misaligned jaw can cause a number of issues. Pain is usually the first thing someone will notice when their jaws do not meet correctly.

This is usually due to the cartilage in the temporomandibular joint being damaged from being in an awkward position, and can lead to severe arthritis. Headaches can often be attributed to jaw positioning, as the muscles in the face and jaw are being overworked to fit the upper and lower jaws together. Finally, adverse jaw position can affect one’s ability to effectively chew their food and can even cause an open bite where the teeth do not meet, leaving the person unable to bite food effectively. These problems are easily resolved with jaw surgery to reposition the jaw and align it correctly.

3.4. TMJ Treatment

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD, or TMJ) can be incredibly painful and limiting. Many sufferers do not know that TMJ is a highly treatable condition. It is also sometimes a “self-limiting” disorder, meaning it will go away by itself. Because of this, treatment will not be mandatory, and simple self-care practices and avoiding things which are causing the disorder can be enough. The more severe cases, and cases where the pain does not go, need professional help. The pressure faced by those who suffer from TMJ can be huge. The constant pain in the face and head can lead to some extreme cases of depression and illness. It is at this point that TMJ patients will seek professional help.

There have been various methods of treating TMJ in the past, some of which have caused further damage to the joint. New methods and understanding of the temporomandibular joint mean that it is now a treatable disorder, and in most cases, the damage done is reversible. This understanding of TMJ has come about in recent years. It was in the mid-1980s that the National Institute of Dental Research brought together an expert group to look at the state of knowledge of the temporomandibular joint. This led to an aggressive and successful research program, and more knowledge on TMJ has been gained in the last ten years than in all the previous 100 years.

4. State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology

Ocoms is always exploring the latest technologies in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. As a patient, you may have been referred to us by your dentist or medical doctor because they believe you will be best served in our facility. It is important to know you have been referred to a specialty center and not a general dental office. We have digital x-rays and 3-D imaging and sophisticated surgical suites often times same as those found in a hospital setting.

Many times, the referral is based on the medical complexity of the case or the surgical difficulty. With this in mind, we feel our facilities and technology are a great asset to patient care and that we have something unique to offer our patients and colleagues. Our facility and treatment rooms are very clean, comfortable and we offer a unique model of privacy and service that has come to be expected with medical and surgical care.

4.1. Advanced Surgical Equipment

One of the leading reasons to visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the surgical expertise that a specialist can provide. This is a result of both clinical experience and familiarity with the rapidly evolving technology in surgical care. As health care becomes more interdisciplinary, it is essential for surgeons to be knowledgeable in the tools and capabilities of specialists in related fields, as this will impact their decision making with respect to referral for consultation and treatment planning. Many patients are unaware of the broad range of this technology and the capability of surgeons to incorporate it into their practice to improve the quality of surgical outcomes and safety for patients.

This section is intended to help patients understand the nature of different surgical procedures for which an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is most suited and the technology which has been developed to improve the safety and quality of treatment. It is also intended to assist patient understanding of the capabilities of surgeons, such that they can make an informed decision when seeking consultation for their treatment.

4.2. Digital Imaging and 3D Scanning

Digital imaging and 3D scanning are extremely useful tools in obtaining the most accurate information possible for a patient. It is a new and innovative technology used to map out the jaws and teeth to better assess the situation with minimal invasive strategy. Most oral surgeons can evaluate the problem with just a digital x-ray of the area and that’s exactly what this new technology achieves. It also allows the doctor to scan an impression of a patient’s teeth to have on file for any future references.

This is more comfortable for the patient than having an impression material in their mouth. Most importantly, the doctor will have a 3D model of the patient’s jaw and teeth allowing for precise planning of the treatment. This results in less margin for error and a better predicted outcome of the treatment. Another benefit of this technology is that it is not a cost to the practice or the patient. It is simply replacing the old method of taking an impression and x-ray of the area.

Due to minimal margin for error, there will be less follow-up treatments needed to correct a problem that would have been sought after had the patient used conventional methods of treatment. In conclusion, the technology of digital imaging and 3D scanning is a benefit to both the doctor and the patient. It allows for efficient and more predictable results of treatments. Patients will find that there will be less post-operation problems, less follow-up consultations, and better overall results with the use of this technology.

4.3. Sedation Options

Oral Sedation – This moderately light form of sedation is achieved by taking a pill. You will be prescribed Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, but it is stronger and has a quicker onset and offset. This pill is given to you 1 hour before your scheduled treatment, and you must have someone drive you to and from your appointment. This method offers an excellent level of relaxation and comfort during the procedure, and some patients become so relaxed that they may fall asleep. Halcion is also an amnesic, so you will remember little, if anything, from your procedure.

Standard care with local anesthetic – Most patients are familiar with the local anesthetic, novocaine, and its use in dental procedures. Local anesthetic can be safely and effectively delivered by our surgeons with the added benefit of eliminating any dental discomfort during the surgical procedure. With local anesthetic, you may feel pressure, pushing, or pulling, but you should not feel any discomfort. This is the lightest form of sedation and is often used in combination with the other methods listed below.

For our Orange County patient, we offer an outstanding variety of safe and effective anesthetic and sedation options. We deliver anesthetic throughout your treatment to eliminate any discomfort, but many patients prefer sedation for the surgical phase of their treatment, even though they report little to no anxiety about the procedure. Our office team will discuss your sedation options with you at your consultation to determine the best option for your needs and wishes. We will provide you with specific instructions to follow when scheduling any type of sedation, although most are very light and do not require you to have someone drive you to your appointment. With all of the following options, we continuously monitor your vital signs and comfort level throughout the sedation.

5. Benefits of Choosing Orange County’s Leading Oral Surgeons

Orange County’s leading oral surgeons are committed to providing the highest standard of care in a warm, friendly environment. Our surgeons are truly experts in their field, having completed 4-6 years of post-graduate surgical residency training. This training involved rotations through emergency medicine, general surgery, plastic surgery, anesthesia, and a formal training in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

All of our surgeons have spent time in a medical and surgical hospital setting, having trained with medical residents in a variety of specialties. After this training, the surgeons must then pass a rigorous two-part national board certification process. This includes a written qualifying examination and an oral certifying examination. Once they are board certified, they must maintain certification and take recertification examinations.

This ensures that our surgeons are up to date on the latest knowledge and techniques in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Board certification is a standard in medicine, dental, and other healthcare professions. This is to help the public and professionals easily assess a professional’s education and knowledge. This is a process that many other “oral surgeons” have not completed. It’s important to note that almost any dentist can perform an extraction or oral surgery procedure. This is a “buyer beware” situation that we see all too often when we attempt to re-treat a failed attempt by an inexperienced provider.

5.1. Expertise and Specialization

The most common procedure that people think of when mentioning an oral surgeon is extracting wisdom teeth. This procedure is done through an oral maxillofacial surgeon of which there are many in Orange County. This surgeon is a sub specialty of surgery for head and neck construction, focusing on the mouth, jaw, face and neck. All oral maxillofacial surgeons will have clearance to do general surgery and it is common for them to repair facial scars, injuries from auto accidents or therapy for the treatment of tumors. People pursuing specialized training will usually confine their practices to smaller areas within their specialty.

For example we found one surgeon who is trained as a periodontist carrying out periodontal surgery and dental implants. Another is mainly concerned with cleft lip and palate reconstruction on children. With a high volume of wisdom tooth extractions available there are many surgeons who have made that their sole area of expertise. Once other people requiring the services of an oral surgeon become more aware of the wide range of services available from a specialist we are confident that this in turn will help steer them to the best possible treatment.

Our evaluation of Orange County’s leading oral surgeons commenced by reviewing their qualifications and expertise. We are wishing for oral surgeons who are well educated and have pursued the necessary training in the precise areas of surgical interest that accompanied by an active certification. The minimum educational is to have completed dental school followed by a two to four year surgical residency in which to pursue board certification if their specialty so allows a candidate to take the exam. This of course is the most basic requirement where on the contrary one could pursue more education for example a medical degree but it is not necessary and may be less applicable for some fields. All the surgeons we found met the most basic requirement and all are licensed in the state of California. However the level of specialization did vary.

5.2. Personalized Treatment Plans

The personalized treatment plans available to all patients with OC Oral Surgery are one of the many attributes that set OC Oral Surgery apart from all other oral surgery providers. Michael Kirsch, D.D.S., Anthony Mortelliti, D.D.S., and their staff of surgeons treat each patient as an individual and make sure that the treatment is customized to their specific needs. They will take the time to evaluate the patient’s condition, explain the extent of the problem, and inform the patient of the range of treatment options available to them. Drs. Kirsch and Mortelliti feel that it is important for the patient to understand their own condition, and when possible, have a say in the treatment they will undergo.

This approach ensures that the patient can make a well-informed decision about their medical care. Once a treatment plan has been decided upon, the surgeons and staff will do their best to accommodate the patient’s schedule. This ranges from scheduling a surgical procedure on a specific day, to arranging weekend or after-hours surgery times for patients with extenuating circumstances. OC Oral Surgery values their patient’s time and convenience, and will go to great lengths to make sure they are comfortable with and prepared for their procedure.

5.3. Exceptional Patient Care

This team is friendly and on a first name basis with every patient. They are always available to talk and help with any questions or concerns that might arise before and after any procedures. They are best suited to perform all types of anesthesia, such as local, IV sedation, oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia to fit any patient’s needs. This is the team of oral surgeons you want to be around your child. With their experience and fun nature, kids seem to love them! They always have stickers and treats available for the children.

And the coordinators will always guide you back to the consultation room after treatment so you don’t have to worry about a sedated child leaving the office. Dr. Cullum, a father of five, realizes the demanding needs a parent faces when dealing with a child’s medical issues and can relate to his patients on a personal level. Patient care is a top priority for this team, and they strive to make every patient feel comfortable and important.

6. Convenient Locations and Appointment Scheduling

Weekend appointments are offered on a case-by-case basis. All patients that require unusual appointment accommodations to fit their hectic work and family schedules are accommodated in a prompt and efficient manner.

With Emphasis On’s Orange location is easily accessed from the 55 freeway, and it stands near St. Joseph’s Hospital. At both locations, the surrounding cities of Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Costa Mesa are just minutes away. The Mission Viejo office attracts patients from as far south as San Diego and as far north as Los Angeles given its accessibility from Interstate 5. Both practice locations are within driving distance for those living in surrounding counties of Riverside and San Bernardino. We have patients who come from all over the country for surgical care during visits with extended family in Southern California. With Emphasis On has served international patients seeking surgical care while vacationing in Southern California.

With two easily accessible locations in Orange and Mission Viejo, With Emphasis On comforts families from all over Orange County and Los Angeles. Set alongside the beautiful Saddleback Valley in a brand new medical complex, the location features its own one-story building with adjacent parking for simple entrance. The Orange location stands near St. Joseph’s Hospital. Both practice locations have been built with state-of-the-art surgery suites that are the gold standard for outpatient surgeries. They were designed and are utilized by our surgeons to provide safe, efficient, and effective surgical treatments. All patients receive the highest standard of care in a comfortable, convenient environment.

6.1. Multiple Clinic Locations

Orange County Oral Surgeons was founded with a simple goal in mind – provide the best care available to patients requiring oral surgery. There are multiple very good reasons to choose our offices for oral surgery. Every member of our surgical staff is highly trained, caring, and personable. We perceive our work in oral surgery as both a science and an art. Each treatment we perform will reflect this philosophy. With this in mind, we are always looking at how we can better serve our patients. After thoughtful analysis, we have grown the first office into two beautiful new offices located in Mission Viejo and Laguna Hills. Both offices were custom designed by Dr. Ahn and Dr. Girard in collaboration with a healthcare architect. These new offices reflect a commitment to reducing patient anxiety and provide state-of-the-art amenities to provide the best care and patient experience.

6.2. Extended Hours and Weekend Appointments

Taking time off work for an oral surgery can be more stressful than the actual procedure for some patients. Missing work or school means less pay or missing important class time. The surgeons and staff are very aware of this and try to accommodate every patient’s schedule as much as possible. For this reason, the office has surgery hours available seven days per week. This will allow patients to choose the most convenient day to have their surgery. Please ask the receptionist about extended hours or weekend appointments at the time of scheduling. This is a service offered to all patients not just students. Students with weekday classes and athletes missing game or practice time will find this particularly beneficial.

Also, the office offers morning and afternoon appointments for consultations and surgery. The goal is to allow the patient to have the surgery on the same day as the consultation. This will save a lot of patient’s time and a second drive to the office. If a patient decides to schedule on a Saturday or Sunday, they will have the convenience of avoiding heavy traffic and fewer school or work conflicts. All the surgeries are scheduled at the OC Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants in Santa Ana whereas consultations and follow-up appointments can be scheduled at the different locations.

7. Insurance and Payment Options

At Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Orange County, we understand that patients desire convenient and affordable access to high quality dental care. Our office staff will make every effort to provide the best financial options available. We are preferred providers for many insurance plans. Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. We will obtain a breakdown of your benefits from your insurance company and a pre-determination for surgery, if you request. We will bill your insurance company for the consultation and/or surgery. Any balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility.

In an effort to decrease the amount of paperwork our patients are subjected to, we will file your insurance claim electronically, a service that most insurance companies and HMOs will soon require or provide incentive for. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date. Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit or upcoming surgery. Please bring your insurance information with you to the consultation so that we can expedite reimbursement. To achieve your satisfaction, we will conduct extensive practice and insurance carrier interaction training for our front office staff.

7.1. Accepted Insurance Providers

We are a preferred provider for many PPO and indemnity insurance plans. A partial list of our contracted insurance companies is included. This is not an all-inclusive list. Please contact your insurance company to understand if our services are a covered benefit under your individual plan. If we do not have a contract with your insurance company, we will be considered an out-of-network provider. This does not mean the services cannot be covered. Usually, the level of benefits are very similar for out-of-network providers. An insurance reimbursement can be made upon completion of services.

Any remaining balance left after the insurance reimbursement would be the patient’s responsibility. With patient consent, our billing staff can help to calculate an estimated reimbursement from your insurance company prior to scheduling any surgical procedures. A request for a detailed outline of benefits can be made at your insurance company’s customer service number. We can certainly assist in explaining the often-complex insurance terminology. This process really helps the patient to understand their financial responsibility.

Insurance is another key administrative area which can cause frustration for many patients as they work to understand their benefits as well as our billing procedures. Our staff is well informed and up-to-date. We are here to help you. Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit. Please bring your insurance information with you to the consultation so that we can expedite reimbursement. Also, remember to bring your referral if it is required by your insurance company.

7.2. Financing and Payment Plans

Financing medical and dental care is a pressing issue for many patients. As we said before, if you have a PPO insurance, it will give you a few more options for financing. In the case that your medical or dental procedure is not covered by your insurance, it signifies that the procedure is an elective one. It is essential to ask if there is an “in-house” financing plan. Medical and dental professionals understand that financial problems can be a serious burden in obtaining care and are usually flexible with arranging a monthly plan.

Many oral surgeons accept Care Credit, which is a credit card exclusively for healthcare services. They offer zero percent interest financing with a maximum payback period of 2 years. For those with low income and no insurance, there are several health centers throughout Orange County that provide low-cost, sliding scale, or even free medical and dental services. This is a very viable option for wisdom teeth extractions with the catch that there may be a longer wait time to see a provider.

8 concoction

Bone grafting is an important aspect in dentistry. Ideally, this procedure would be performed in a sterile operating theatre under strict aseptic conditions. The patient would be positioned supine with the area of interest uppermost. After the patient has been suitably anaesthetized and prepared, an incision is made directly over the area requiring the graft. The incision should be small and allow for minimal trauma to the patient in order to aid wound healing.

If the graft is to be taken from the patient, an incision is made directly over a non-weight bearing bone and the periosteum is raised in a similar manner.A split thickness flap should be reflected to aid primary closure and allow for the least amount of aftercare for the patient. If an allograft is to be used, the recipient site incision may not require a reflection of a full thickness flap as this will not require any additional graft handling to decrease the risk of cross-contamination. 

References:

Sanz‐Sánchez, Ignacio, et al. “Complications in bone‐grafting procedures: classification and management.” Periodontology 2000 88.1 (2022): 86-102. ortizvigon.com

Kheiri, Aida, et al. “Sterility and bioactivity evaluation of two types of bone graft substitutes after removing the original packaging.” Journal of Advanced Periodontology & Implant Dentistry 15.1 (2023): 15. nih.gov

Parsayan, S. “Sterility and bioactivity evaluation of two types of bone graft substitutes after removing the original packaging.” 2023. tbzmed.ac.ir

Zhao, Rusin, et al. “Bone grafts and substitutes in dentistry: A review of current trends and developments.” Molecules 26.10 (2021): 3007. mdpi.com

Brink, O. “The choice between allograft or demineralized bone matrix is not unambiguous in trauma surgery.” Injury, 2021. sciencedirect.com

Haben Fesseha, M. “Bone grafting, its principle and application: A review.” Osteol. Rheumatol. Open J, 2020. researchgate.net

Grassi, Felice Roberto, et al. “Design techniques to optimize the scaffold performance: Freeze-dried bone custom-made allografts for maxillary alveolar horizontal ridge augmentation.” Materials 13.6 (2020): 1393. mdpi.com

Motta, Sergio Henrique Gonçalves, et al. “Histological assessment of bone regeneration in the maxilla with homologous bone graft: a feasible option for maxillary bone reconstruction.” Journal of Renewable Materials 12.1 (2024): 131-148. ucp.pt

Heimes, Diana, et al. “Comparison of morbidity‐related parameters between autologous and allogeneic bone grafts for alveolar ridge augmentation from patients’ perspective—A questionnaire‐based cohort study.” Clinical implant dentistry and related research 26.1 (2024): 170-182. wiley.com

Ali, Abdallah Ahmad, Khalid Mohammad Ali, and Dina Sabry Abd-Alfattah. “The clinical use of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of secondary alveolar cleft.” Al-Azhar Journal of Dental Science 25.2 (2022): 149-156. ekb.eg