Platelet Rich Fibrin or (PRF) is a by-product of blood plasma. This substance is rich in platelets, and is now used in many dental or oral surgery procedures. New technology allows the doctor to draw blood from the patient, and produce PRF to be used during surgery. Platelet Rich Fibrin allows the body to heal at an accelerated rate. When our bodies heal, cells are sent towards the wound to start the healing process. Platelets help to form blood clots, and also help the body to heal and repair by stimulating stem cells and tissue regeneration. PRF is used to assist in healing, and helps you ..read more

Dental surgery is needed for many reasons such as a smile makeover, or to correct an injury. Other dental surgery may be a simple extraction such as wisdom teeth removal. Dental surgery allows doctors to correct conditions or to improve a patient’s smile. Typically, dental surgery is outpatient, and your dentist may have referred you to an oral surgeon nearby. At Orange County Center, we focus on prevention and practicing good oral hygiene habits to keep our teeth and mouth healthy. Our doctors have years of experience in oral surgery, and always put our patient’s health first. Many people n ..read more

Most often patients turn to jaw surgery to correct their appearance, or to improve speaking and chewing. Many don’t realize that jaw surgery can also help patients that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is when a patient stops breathing while sleeping and tends to gasp for air. This happens when the muscles and jaw bones aren’t working together to support the airway. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include fatigue, loud snoring, headache, and constantly feeling sleepy. How Can Jaw Surgery Help And Who is a Good Candidate? Jaw surgery can help patients and realign ..read more

Our gums are sensitive, and if we do not practice good oral hygiene habits, they can become inflamed, painful, or infected. Gums are important and help to hold our teeth in place and protect our tooth roots. If gums are not taken care of, bacteria can spread and cause gum disease or other health problems. If you are experiencing swollen or tender gums, we encourage you to contact our dentist in Lake Forest. Gum problems should be addressed promptly to avoid infection or other serious complications. Why Are My Gums Swollen? Swollen gums are a response after damage or an injury. If bacteria ..read more

When you have oral surgery, the recovery is important to ensure you heal properly. During the healing process, it is important to eat the right foods. If you are well prepared at home your recovery will go smooth. We recommend patients plan ahead and purchase soft food items prior to their surgery, so they have choices ready to go when they return home from their procedure. At Orange County Center, our team will discuss what to eat and what to expect during the recovery period. This allows our patients to ask questions, and ensures they are prepared for the healing process. We provide a deta ..read more

Root canals involve cleaning out the infected pulp area inside your tooth root. During the procedure the bacteria is removed, and the area is sealed to prevent future bacteria from entering. Root canals can save your teeth, and in some cases a crown is placed on top to restore the tooth. Any dental procedure involves recovery, and patients may experience some pain. At Orange County Center, we offer many endodontic treatments, and our doctors have years of experience with root canal therapy. We strive to provide quality dental care, in a friendly and relaxing environment. When patients visit ..read more

An underbite is a condition where the lower teeth extend out farther than the upper teeth. Some feel like this resembles a bulldog and many are self-conscious about their smile. Unfortunately, there are no devices that can cover an underbite. Underbite cases can be mild or severe, and the good news is this condition is treatable. Severe cases may cause oral health problems such as problems eating, speaking, or moving the jaw. If you have an underbite it is always important to contact a professional for help. What Causes an Underbite? Many things may cause an underbite where your teeth do n ..read more

Patients that choose to move forward with the dental implant process wonder how painful the procedure will be. Dental implants look and feel natural in the mouth, and are a great restorative solution for those that have missing, cracked, or broken teeth. Our customized treatment plans work for each patient’s needs, and we work closely with our patients every step of the way. Overall, the implant process is not painful. Many patients say that the dental implant process is less painful than having a tooth pulled. To keep patients comfortable we use local anesthesia and numb the gums around the ..read more

Oral pathology is the identification process of certain diseases or disorders of the mouth or jaw. Thorough examination and accuracy in diagnosis are extremely important to ensure the patient is treated properly. Our dentist in San Clemente have years of experience in oral pathology and treating disorders. Our detailed examination process allows our team to determine the cause of an issue, and provide the proper diagnosis and treatment. What Are Examples of Common Oral Problems? Misaligned jaw Cleft lip or cleft palate Periodontal disease Oral cancer Oral ulcers Infections Prolonged pain ..read more

A dental bone graft is typically used for patients that have jawbone issues. Bone grafts are a common procedure and have been done for years. The procedure is relatively minor and can be done quickly. If patients have lost a tooth or have severe gum disease, bone grafts can be used to help restore your gums and jaw. Over time gum disease can progress if not treated and cause bone loss. This can affect your appearance, and cause your jaw to sag or look sunken in. At this point there is no bone left to support your face. Bone grafting can help to restore the support needed. How Does Bone Graf ..read more