We answer what does a oral surgeon do in Walnut Creek CA and walk through common procedures, when to see one, what to expect, and how advanced technology and experience improve outcomes.
What Does A Oral Surgeon Do In Walnut Creek CA — Common Procedures
Wisdom tooth removal
Impacted or painful wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, crowding, and damage to nearby teeth. Oral surgeons remove these teeth using local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on complexity and patient comfort. Signs you may need removal include persistent pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or recurrent infections.
Dental implants (single, multiple, All‑on‑X)
Oral surgeons place implants that act as artificial tooth roots. Procedures range from single-tooth implants to multiple implants and full-arch All‑on‑X restorations. Some cases allow immediate loading with a same-day provisional crown, while others need healing time before a permanent prosthesis. Surgeons evaluate bone, bite, and overall health to decide immediate versus delayed loading.
Bone grafts and sinus lifts
When jawbone is too thin or short to hold implants, bone grafts or sinus lifts rebuild lost volume. Grafts use patient bone, donor bone, or synthetic materials to create a stable base for implants. Sinus lifts raise the sinus membrane and add graft material in the upper jaw to allow implant placement where bone is limited.
Corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery & facial trauma repair
Corrective jaw surgery realigns the jaws to fix bite, breathing, and functional problems. Oral surgeons also treat facial fractures from accidents, stabilizing bones and restoring function and appearance. These complex surgeries often require coordination with orthodontists and other specialists.
Oral pathology, biopsies, and lesion removal
Surgeons evaluate and remove suspicious oral lesions and perform biopsies to diagnose infections, cysts, or cancers. Early detection and tissue diagnosis are essential; oral surgeons manage both the biopsy and definitive surgical care when needed.
When To See An Oral Surgeon Versus Your General Dentist
See an oral surgeon if treatment is surgically complex, requires sedation, or if you have significant medical conditions that raise risk. Referrals often come from general dentists for impacted teeth, implant placement, bone grafting, jaw surgery, or trauma. Emergency signs warranting immediate evaluation include uncontrolled bleeding, severe swelling, high fever, trouble breathing, or signs of spreading infection.
What To Expect At Your First Oral Surgery Consultation
Your first visit includes a focused exam, review of medical history, and imaging—often a 3D CBCT scan and intraoral scans. The surgeon explains diagnosis, treatment options, risks, timelines, and costs. A clear plan will outline steps, from any preparatory procedures to final restoration, and what sedation options are appropriate for you.
Sedation & Anesthesia Options
Options range from local anesthesia for minor procedures to IV sedation and general anesthesia for longer or more complex cases. Qualifications for deeper sedation include health status and procedure length. Many oral surgery practices work with board‑certified anesthesiologists and use continuous monitoring to keep care safe and comfortable.
Recovery, Aftercare, And Healing Timeline
Recovery varies by procedure. Simple extractions usually heal in a week, implants need several months for bone to integrate, and orthognathic surgery may require weeks to months of healing. Expect pain control, soft diet recommendations, limited physical activity for a period, and follow-up visits. Watch for warning signs like heavy bleeding, severe swelling, fever, or worsening pain and contact your surgeon promptly if they occur.
How Oral Surgeons Plan Complex Implant Cases Using Digital Tech
Surgeons use CBCT scans, intraoral digital impressions, CAD/CAM design, and 3D-printed surgical guides to plan and place implants with high accuracy. Guided-surgery protocols reduce chair time and improve implant angulation and prosthetic outcomes. Digital workflows often allow same-day provisional prostheses for faster functional and aesthetic results.
Questions To Ask An Oral Surgeon In Walnut Creek CA
Ask about board certification, years of experience, complication rates, technologies used (CBCT, guided surgery, CAD/CAM), sedation credentials, and to see before/after photos of similar cases. Discuss expected timelines, detailed cost estimates, and what follow-up care or implant warranties are offered.
About Ali Alijanian, DDS, Inc. — The Walnut Creek CA Practice (brief)
Ali Alijanian, DDS, Inc. is led by board‑certified Dr. Ali Alijanian, with 24+ years of experience and advanced credentials in oral surgery and anesthesia. The Walnut Creek CA practice offers an all‑in‑one facility with on‑site lab, CBCT, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and guided‑surgery capabilities. Dr. Alijanian specializes in complex implants, All‑on‑X restorations, zygomatic implants, and sedation—helping patients with predictable, well-planned surgical care.
Next Steps — How To Schedule A Consult
To schedule, bring your photo ID, insurance cards, a list of medications, and any prior imaging or dental records. Request CBCT images or ask your referring dentist to send records ahead of time. For a consult at the Walnut Creek CA office, call or use the online request form to book an evaluation and get a personalized treatment plan for your needs. Keywords used: what does a oral surgeon do in Walnut Creek CA (used multiple times to explain local care and services).
