Oral Surgery in La Jolla, San Diego
Integrated Surgical Care Led by Our In‑House Periodontist
Oral surgery is not just about removing a problem tooth or placing an implant. The best outcomes come from careful planning around the tissue, the bone, the bite, and the long-term restorative goal.
At La Jolla Dental Wellness Center, oral surgery is integrated with periodontal and restorative care, led by Dr. Hyung Jin Bae, our in-house periodontist. This coordinated model allows us to plan surgical care conservatively and precisely, while supporting healing and long-term stability.
If you are looking for oral surgery in La Jolla or the greater San Diego area and want a clear plan, steady communication, and thoughtful care under one roof, this page will walk you through what to expect.
What Oral Surgery Includes
“Oral surgery” is a broad term that covers procedures involving the teeth, gums, bone, and supporting structures. Some surgeries are straightforward and completed in a single visit. Others require staged planning, tissue management, and follow-up to support predictable healing.
Our approach prioritizes:
- ~ preserving healthy gum and bone structure whenever possible
- ~ preparing the mouth for long-term success, not just short-term resolution
- ~ minimizing surgical trauma when clinically appropriate
- ~ coordinating next steps so treatment stays efficient and clear
Oral Surgery Services We Provide or Coordinate
Dental Implants and Implant‑Related Surgery
Dental implants often require more than placement alone. Planning may include tissue evaluation, bone support assessment, and site development so the implant can be restored comfortably and predictably.
Implant-related surgical care may include:
- surgical implant placement
- site preparation and ridge preservation
- bone grafting or regenerative support when needed
- implant maintenance planning tied to gum health
Because periodontal stability and bone support are foundational for implants, integrated planning is a major advantage.
Tooth Extractions and Impacted Teeth
Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved due to fracture, infection, advanced decay, or bone loss. Extractions can also be recommended as part of orthodontic planning or restorative reconstruction.
We provide:
- routine extractions
- complex extractions when roots or anatomy require surgical technique
- coordination for impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth, when appropriate
Your evaluation includes a discussion of alternatives when they exist, expected healing, and how the site will be protected after extraction.
Bone Grafting and Site Preservation
Bone grafting helps preserve or rebuild bone volume after tooth loss or extraction. This can be critical for:
- future implant placement
- bite stability and long-term function
- reducing collapse of the ridge after extraction
If grafting is recommended, you will receive a clear explanation of the reason, the material options, and the healing timeline that fits your plan.
Apicoectomy and Surgical Infection Management
When a tooth has persistent infection after root canal therapy, an apicoectomy may be recommended to remove the infected root tip and help preserve the tooth.
We coordinate surgical infection evaluation and help you understand:
- when an apicoectomy may be appropriate
- when extraction and replacement may be the safer option
- how gum and bone health affects the long-term prognosis
Oral Pathology Evaluation
Any unusual tissue change in the mouth should be evaluated carefully. When needed, we assess cysts, lesions, or abnormal tissue and coordinate biopsy or specialty referral based on findings.
This is handled with a calm, step-by-step approach, so you understand what is being evaluated and why.
TMJ‑Related Concerns and Jaw Discomfort
Jaw discomfort can have multiple causes, including bite imbalance, clenching, inflammation, or joint changes. Surgical care is not always the first step.
We evaluate contributing factors and coordinate care when needed, which may include:
- bite and joint assessment
- referrals to the appropriate specialist for advanced TMJ cases
- treatment planning that supports long-term stability
Sleep Apnea and Airway‑Related Dental Treatment
Some patients come to us because their dentist, physician, or sleep study has identified sleep-disordered breathing concerns. Treatment can include dental airway devices or referrals for medical or surgical management depending on severity and diagnosis.
We help guide the process so you understand the dental role, what can be addressed in-office, and when medical collaboration is necessary.
What to Expect at an Oral Surgery Consultation
A good surgical plan starts with clarity.
Your consultation typically includes:
- ~ review of symptoms, goals, and medical history
- ~ a focused clinical exam of teeth, gums, and bite
- ~ imaging review as needed for safe planning
- ~ a clear discussion of options, benefits, and limitations
- ~ a step-by-step plan that connects surgery to your long-term outcome
If your case is best managed with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a medical specialist, we coordinate that referral and stay aligned with the overall plan.
Comfort, Safety, and Healing Support
Competitor pages lean heavily on sedation and recovery advice, and patients do want that reassurance.
In our office, comfort and safety are supported through:
- local anesthesia and calming, patient-centered pacing
- clear post-op instructions and follow-up expectations
- conservative technique and tissue-preservation goals whenever possible
Every patient’s healing is different. Your aftercare plan is tailored to the procedure, your tissue response, and your overall health history.
Why Integrated Periodontal Leadership Matters
Many oral surgery pages list procedures, but they do not explain how those procedures fit into a long-term health plan.
With periodontal leadership involved from the start, your plan considers:
- gum tissue stability around surgical sites
- bone support and regenerative potential
- inflammation control before and after surgery
- the restorative goal, including how the final result should function and look
This is especially important for implant planning, grafting decisions, and cases where chronic inflammation is part of the picture.
Oral Surgery in La Jolla and Greater San Diego
Our office is located in La Jolla on Genesee Avenue, inside the XiMed Medical Center campus environment. This setting is convenient for patients coming from nearby neighborhoods and central San Diego corridors.
Patients commonly travel to our La Jolla office from:
- UTC and La Jolla Village
- Torrey Pines and Del Mar
- Clairemont and Pacific Beach
- Mission Bay and surrounding coastal communities
If you are coming via I-5 or I-805, Genesee Avenue provides straightforward access, and the medical campus layout supports easy arrival for patients who prefer elevator access and a healthcare setting.
For patients within an approximately 8-mile radius, our location offers a practical option for surgical care that is planned alongside periodontal health and restorative goals, not treated as a stand-alone event.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have questions about a tooth, infection, implant planning, or another procedure that may require oral surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation.
Call (858) 558-1946 to speak with our team, or request an appointment online.
Meet Our
La Jolla Dentists
Dr. Bo Ah Kim
Dr. Bo Ah Kim pursued her passion for dentistry at Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine in New York City, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2007. Her training in general dentistry equips her with the skills to perform a broad range of procedures from basic fillings and crowns to complex full mouth reconstructions and TMJ Botox injections. Dr. Kim is renowned for her dedication to patient care, making communication and comfort the cornerstones of her practice.
Dr. Hyung Jin Bae
Dr. Hyung Jin Bae is a distinguished, board-certified periodontist since 2012, specializing in dental implant surgeries and laser-assisted regenerative procedures. A graduate of Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, with additional post-doctoral training at Harvard University, Dr. Bae is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry. His expertise encompasses a broad range of minimally invasive techniques that emphasize patient-specific, regenerative outcomes.
Accreditations
Wonderful Words from our Patients
~ Gabrielle Breton Leduc
~ Alice Hou
~ Gabrielle Breton Leduc
Visit La Jolla Dental Wellness Center
Hours
Monday – Tuesday 9am-5pm
Wednesday – CLOSED
Thursday – Friday 9am-5pm
FAQs About Oral Surgery in La Jolla
What is the difference between oral surgery and periodontic surgery?
Oral surgery is a broad category that can include extractions, implants, grafting, pathology evaluation, and other procedures involving the teeth and jaw. Periodontic surgery focuses specifically on the gums and supporting bone around the teeth and implants. In a coordinated setting, periodontal insight helps guide surgical decisions that affect tissue stability and long-term outcomes.
Do I need an oral surgeon for dental implants?
Not always. Some implants are placed by periodontists or dentists with advanced surgical training. The right provider depends on anatomy, bone support, medical history, and case complexity. During your consultation, we will explain who is best suited for your procedure and why.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery depends on the complexity of the extraction and your healing response. Many patients feel significantly better within a few days, but complete tissue healing takes longer. You will receive clear instructions for eating, hygiene, and activity so the site heals well.
When is bone grafting needed?
Bone grafting may be recommended when the jawbone lacks the volume needed for long-term stability, especially for future implant placement. It may also be used to help preserve the ridge after extraction. Your exam determines whether grafting is necessary and what approach fits your plan.
What is an apicoectomy and when is it recommended?
An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the tip of an infected tooth root when infection persists after root canal therapy. It may be recommended when saving the tooth is still possible and the surrounding bone and tissue support a good prognosis.
What should I do before my oral surgery appointment?
Follow the pre-op instructions you receive from our team. In many cases, this includes eating appropriately based on your procedure, taking medications only as directed, and planning transportation if you will be given medication that affects alertness.
Can oral surgery help with TMJ pain?
Some jaw pain improves with bite therapy, inflammation control, or stress-related management, not surgery. If your symptoms suggest a joint disorder or structural concern, we can evaluate contributing factors and coordinate care with the appropriate specialist.
Will insurance cover oral surgery?
Coverage varies by plan and procedure. Many offices that rank locally address insurance and financing on their oral surgery pages, so we will match that expectation on-page once your internal linking and payment blocks are added.