Oral Surgery in San Francisco

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery refers to surgical procedures performed in the mouth, including procedures involving the teeth, gums, jawbone, and surrounding oral tissues. Cleveland Clinic defines oral surgery as any operation performed inside the mouth and lists common examples such as tooth extractions, dental implants, and tissue grafts.

At Financial District Dentistry, oral surgery may be recommended to:

• Remove a damaged, infected, or impacted tooth

• Prepare the mouth for a dental implant

• Treat certain oral health conditions

• Improve function, comfort, or appearance

• Address dental trauma or emergency concerns

• Support long-term restorative treatment

Your dentist will explain your diagnosis, review your options, and help you understand why surgery may or may not be needed.

When Is Oral Surgery Needed?

Oral surgery is usually recommended when a dental issue cannot be fully corrected with preventive, restorative, or non-surgical care alone.

Common reasons patients need oral surgery include:

Financial District Dentistry emphasizes comprehensive dental care under one roof and provides services that support both smile function and aesthetics.

Oral Surgery Services We Provide

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction may be necessary when a tooth is severely decayed, infected, fractured, loose, or cannot be restored. Cleveland Clinic notes that extractions may be needed for cavities, gum disease, dental injuries, impacted teeth, overcrowding, or preparation for dental treatment.

Financial District Dentistry also has a dedicated Extractions service page for patients who need tooth removal.

Impacted Tooth Removal

An impacted tooth is one that cannot fully erupt into the mouth. This often happens with wisdom teeth, but other teeth can also become impacted. Impacted teeth may cause pain, swelling, infection, crowding, or damage to nearby teeth.

Oral surgery may be recommended if the impacted tooth is causing symptoms or creating risk for future dental problems.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Wisdom teeth may need removal when they are impacted, painful, infected, growing at an angle, damaging nearby teeth, or difficult to keep clean. Cleveland Clinic notes that wisdom teeth removal may be recommended when wisdom teeth cause pain, grow crooked, or create other oral health issues.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants can replace missing teeth by supporting crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implant treatment often involves placing a small implant post into the jawbone, allowing it to heal, and later attaching a restoration.

Financial District Dentistry’s oral surgery page specifically notes that insertion of dental implants is among the procedures that fall under oral surgery.

Cosmetic Oral Surgery

Some oral surgery procedures may support cosmetic goals, such as improving gum contours, preparing the mouth for veneers or crowns, or helping create a more balanced smile. Financial District Dentistry provides cosmetic and restorative dental services in addition to general dentistry.

Emergency Oral Surgery

Some oral surgery needs are urgent. If you have severe tooth pain, swelling, trauma, a broken tooth, or signs of infection, call the office right away. Financial District Dentistry’s emergency care page states that its doctors and staff are prepared to manage emergency concerns, alleviate pain, and help patients feel calm during urgent dental visits.

Signs You May Need an Oral Surgery Consultation

Schedule a visit with a dentist in San Francisco if you notice:

• Severe or worsening tooth pain

• Facial, jaw, or gum swelling

• A broken tooth near the gumline

• A loose adult tooth

• Pain when biting or chewing

• A tooth that has not erupted properly

• Repeated infection around a wisdom tooth

• Missing teeth and interest in dental implants

• A dental abscess or pus near the gums

• A growth, sore, or tissue change that does not heal

• Dental trauma from a fall, accident, or sports injury

For severe swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or major facial trauma, seek emergency medical care immediately.

What to Expect During Oral Surgery

1. Consultation and Diagnosis

Your visit begins with a dental exam, discussion of your symptoms, and imaging when needed. This allows your dentist to evaluate the tooth, roots, gums, bone, bite, and surrounding structures.

Financial District Dentistry offers advanced dental technology and states that modern technology can make a major difference in care.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan

Your dentist will explain:

• What condition was found

• Whether surgery is necessary

• Alternative treatment options

• What the procedure involves

• Expected recovery time

• Risks, benefits, and aftercare

• Tooth replacement options, if a tooth is removed

3. Comfort-Focused Care

Before most oral surgery procedures, the treatment area is numbed. Depending on the procedure and your needs, your dentist will discuss comfort options and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

4. Surgical Treatment

The procedure depends on your diagnosis. For example, an extraction removes a tooth from its socket, while implant surgery places an implant post to support future restoration.

5. Recovery Instructions

After surgery, you will receive instructions for bleeding control, swelling, diet, oral hygiene, medication, activity level, and when to call the office.

Oral Surgery Recovery and Aftercare

Healing time depends on the procedure, your health, and how closely you follow aftercare instructions. Cleveland Clinic notes that healing times vary depending on the type of oral surgery performed.

General recovery tips may include:

• Rest after your procedure.

• Avoid strenuous activity until your dentist says it is safe.

• Use cold compresses as directed for swelling.

• Eat soft foods during early healing.

• Avoid smoking and tobacco.

• Avoid drinking through a straw after extractions.

• Do not spit forcefully or rinse vigorously during early healing.

• Take medications only as directed.

• Keep follow-up appointments if recommended.

• Call the office if pain, swelling, or bleeding worsens.

Cleveland Clinic recommends resting at home after oral surgery and avoiding strenuous physical activity for several days, depending on the procedure and provider instructions.

What Can I Eat After Oral Surgery?

Soft, mild foods are usually best during the first stage of healing.

Good soft-food options:

• Yogurt

• Applesauce

• Mashed potatoes

• Scrambled eggs

• Smooth soups that are not hot

• Oatmeal

• Pasta

• Soft rice

• Pudding

• Smoothies without a straw

Foods and habits to avoid early in healing:

• Crunchy chips

• Popcorn

• Nuts and seeds

• Hard bread

• Spicy foods

• Very hot drinks

• Alcohol

• Sticky candy

• Straws

• Tobacco products

Your dentist will give specific instructions based on your procedure.

How to Reduce the Risk of Dry Socket

Dry socket is a painful condition that can happen after a tooth extraction when the protective blood clot is lost or fails to form properly. The ADA explains that treatment may include cleaning the extraction site, placing a medicated dressing, and using pain relievers as directed.

To help protect the blood clot after an extraction:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco.

• Avoid straws.

• Do not spit forcefully.

• Avoid vigorous rinsing during early healing.

• Eat soft foods.

• Follow all post-operative instructions.

• Call the office if pain worsens after a few days.

Is Oral Surgery Painful?

The surgical area is typically numbed before treatment, so you should not feel sharp pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or movement, depending on the surgery being performed. After the numbness wears off, some soreness, swelling, and tenderness are expected.

Your dentist will explain what is normal for your procedure and how to manage discomfort safely.

Why Choose Financial District Dentistry for Oral Surgery in San Francisco?

30+ Years of Trusted Dental Care

Financial District Dentistry provides comprehensive dental care in San Francisco and offers a full range of dental services so patients can receive care under one roof.

Experienced Doctors

Dr. Evangeline Amores has over 30 years of practice in the area and maintains affiliations with the San Francisco Dental Society, California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and American Academy of Implant Dentistry. She is also committed to continuing education and advanced training, including implant-focused coursework.

Oral Medicine Expertise

Dr. Gad S. Heimic completed advanced education in general dentistry, additional specialization at UCSF School of Dentistry, and an Oral Medicine Fellowship in UCSF’s Department of Stomatology. He has practiced in San Francisco since 1994 and is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Oral Medicine.

Compassionate Team

Financial District Dentistry’s team focuses on patient comfort and a welcoming experience. The practice states that its goal is for patients to leave with a memorable and enjoyable experience, and that the staff works to help patients feel right at home.

Convenient Downtown Location

The office is located at 220 Montgomery St. Suite 120, San Francisco, CA 94104. Business hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Friday through Sunday closed.

Oral Surgery Cost and Insurance

The cost of oral surgery depends on the procedure, complexity, imaging needs, materials, sedation or comfort options, insurance coverage, and whether follow-up or restorative treatment is needed.

Financial District Dentistry accepts most major dental insurance plans and states that the team can help patients understand benefits and file insurance claims.

For a personalized estimate, call (415) 399-9999.

Schedule Oral Surgery in San Francisco

If you need oral surgery in San Francisco, Financial District Dentistry can evaluate your concerns, explain your options, and create a treatment plan designed around your health, comfort, and long-term smile goals.

Call (415) 399-9999 or request an appointment today.

Financial District Dentistry
220 Montgomery St. Suite 120
San Francisco, CA 94104
Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday–Sunday: Closed