If you're researching teeth surgery in Irvine, CA, this post explains what that term really covers. "Teeth surgery" can mean many things beyond dental implants — from simple extractions to jaw surgery. Read on to learn the common types, who performs them, risks, recovery, and how to choose care. Expect practical next steps you can take after reading.

What Counts As Teeth Surgery?

Teeth surgery is any procedure that involves cutting, altering, repairing, or removing teeth, bone, or soft tissue in the mouth and jaw. The phrase covers a wide range of care: some procedures are quick and simple, while others are complex and require hospital-style planning. Knowing the range helps you ask the right questions at your visit for teeth surgery in Irvine, CA.

Common Types of Teeth Surgery



Tooth extractions (simple vs. surgical)

Simple extractions remove teeth that are visible and easily accessible. Surgical extractions are needed when teeth are broken, have curved roots, or are below the gum line. Surgical removal may involve small incisions and sutures.

Wisdom teeth removal

Wisdom teeth are often removed because they cause crowding, pain, infection, or cysts. Recovery is usually a few days to a week, with swelling and soft-food diet early on.

Dental implants

Dental implants replace missing teeth by placing a titanium post into the jaw to hold a crown, bridge, or full arch. Implants are a durable option when bone and health allow. Some patients need preparatory work like bone grafts before implants can be placed.

Bone grafts and sinus lifts

Bone grafts restore lost jaw bone to support implants. Sinus lifts raise the sinus floor to add bone in the upper back jaw. These support procedures are common before implant placement when bone is thin.

Endodontic surgery (apicoectomy)

An apicoectomy removes the tip of a tooth root and seals the end after a root canal fails. It’s a targeted surgery to save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.

Periodontal and gum surgery

Gum surgery treats advanced gum disease, repairs soft tissue, and can restore gum health around teeth and implants. Laser periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive option for some cases.

Orthognathic and jaw-related surgery

Jaw surgery corrects bite problems, TMJ disorders, and facial imbalance. These procedures are more extensive and often involve coordination between dentists, oral surgeons, and sometimes ENT or plastic surgery teams.

Who Performs Teeth Surgery?

Several types of providers perform teeth surgery. Choose based on the procedure's complexity:

• General dentists: Handle routine extractions, some surgical extractions, and basic implant or soft-tissue procedures if they have training.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: Specialized surgeons for complex extractions, jaw surgery, impacted teeth, and hospital-based cases.
• Periodontists: Specialists in gum surgery, bone grafting, and implant placement when gums and bone are involved.
• ENT/maxillofacial teams: Work with dentists on airway, sleep, and complex facial surgery.

Check credentials: dental school, residency or specialty training, board certification (if applicable), hospital privileges, and experience with the specific procedure you need.

What To Expect: Before, During, and After Teeth Surgery

Before surgery, expect a medical history review, oral exam, and imaging — often a CBCT 3D scan for complex cases. Labs or medical clearance may be needed for major procedures.

On the day of surgery, anesthesia options include local, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the case and patient comfort. The provider will explain risks and give pre-op instructions.

Recovery varies by procedure: simple extractions may heal in a week, implants and bone grafts take months to fully integrate, and jaw surgery can require several weeks of recovery. Pain is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter meds. Watch for signs of infection, prolonged numbness, or heavy bleeding and contact your provider if they occur.

Risks, Complications, and When To Seek Help

Common risks include infection, bleeding, dry socket after molar removal, and temporary nerve irritation. More serious but rare complications include permanent nerve damage, sinus perforation, or implant failure.

Reduce risk by following pre- and post-op instructions, stopping certain medications if advised, and keeping follow-up visits. Seek urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, fever over 101°F, spreading swelling, pus or foul taste, or numbness that doesn’t improve within a few days.

Less-Invasive Alternatives To Teeth Surgery

Not every problem needs surgery. Alternatives may include:

• Fillings or crowns for decay
• Root canal therapy instead of extraction
• Periodontal therapy and lasers for gum disease
• Orthodontics to avoid some surgical corrections
• Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea instead of surgery

Choosing the least invasive effective option is a good goal. A careful exam and imaging will guide whether surgery is necessary.

How To Choose the Right Provider for Teeth Surgery

When selecting care for teeth surgery in Irvine, CA, look for training and board certification, specific experience with your procedure, and access to modern imaging like CBCT. Confirm sedation options, clear written treatment plans and cost estimates, and read patient reviews. Also consider language access and financing if needed.

About Guru Dentistry and Teeth Surgery Care

Guru Dentistry in Irvine, CA provides full-service dental care with oral surgery, implants, sedation dentistry, and laser periodontal options. The practice uses advanced tech such as CBCT 3D imaging, IV sedation, same-day crowns, and LANAP laser therapy. The multilingual team (Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi) and financing partners like Wells Fargo, CareCredit, Lending Club, and Scratch Pay help make care accessible.

Next Steps: Getting Evaluated for Teeth Surgery

For a consultation about teeth surgery in Irvine, CA, bring a list of medications, your medical history, any prior dental X-rays, and notes on symptoms. Ask about imaging, anesthesia choices, expected recovery, and alternative treatments. A CBCT scan and a focused exam usually produce a clear treatment plan and cost estimate. When you’re ready, schedule an evaluation to review options and next steps.