Frequently Asked Questions

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists trained to diagnose and treat conditions involving the mouth, jaws, teeth, and facial structures. Their training includes surgical procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, jaw surgery, facial trauma treatment, and other oral surgical procedures.

A referral may be recommended by your dentist or healthcare provider depending on your treatment needs. Patients may also contact Desert Oral Surgery directly to schedule a consultation.

During your first visit, your oral surgeon will review your medical and dental history, evaluate your condition, discuss treatment options, and answer any questions you may have. Additional imaging or evaluation may be recommended depending on your specific needs.

Desert Oral Surgery provides anesthesia and sedation options to help patients remain comfortable during surgical procedures. Your oral surgeon will discuss the available options based on your procedure, medical history, and individual needs.

If you experience an oral surgery emergency, contact Desert Oral Surgery as soon as possible. Our team can provide guidance and determine the appropriate next steps.

Desert Oral Surgery serves patients through locations in Palm Desert and Palm Springs.

Many patients who are missing one or more teeth may be candidates for dental implants. A consultation and evaluation are needed to determine whether implants are appropriate based on your oral health, bone structure, and treatment goals.

Some patients may need bone grafting before dental implant placement if there is not enough bone support available. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your condition and discuss treatment options during your consultation.

The timeline for dental implant treatment varies depending on each patient’s individual needs, healing process, and whether additional procedures are required. Your oral surgeon will explain your expected treatment timeline during your consultation.

Dental implants are designed to be a long-term tooth replacement option. Proper care, regular dental visits, and good oral hygiene are important for maintaining your implant.

Wisdom teeth are commonly evaluated during the teenage years and early adulthood. Removal may be recommended if they are impacted, causing discomfort, creating risk for infection, or affecting surrounding teeth. A consultation with an oral surgeon can determine whether removal is recommended.

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed when they do not have enough room to properly erupt or when they create problems such as pain, infection, gum issues, or damage to nearby teeth.

Recovery varies depending on each patient and the complexity of the procedure. Most patients experience gradual improvement during the healing process. Your surgical team will provide detailed instructions to support your recovery.

During wisdom teeth removal, the oral surgeon carefully removes the teeth while keeping the patient comfortable through appropriate anesthesia and sedation options.

A tooth may need to be removed due to damage, infection, impacted position, decay, or other conditions affecting oral health.

After a tooth extraction, patients receive instructions regarding bleeding control, swelling management, diet, oral hygiene, and recovery care. Following post-operative instructions helps support proper healing.

Bone grafting may be recommended when additional bone support is needed for dental implants or to restore areas where bone has been lost.

Healing time varies depending on the procedure and each patient’s individual situation. Your oral surgeon will provide specific recovery information during your consultation.

An impacted tooth is one that does not properly erupt into the mouth because it is blocked or unable to reach its normal position.

Treatment may involve a combination of oral surgery and orthodontic care to help guide the tooth into the correct position.

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull and allows movement needed for chewing, speaking, and other daily functions.

Symptoms may include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening the mouth, stiffness, and discomfort around the jaw area.

Before surgery, patients should follow all instructions provided by their surgical team, including guidance regarding medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation, and preparation.

After surgery, follow your post-operative instructions regarding medications, oral hygiene, diet, activity restrictions, and follow-up care.