Oral Surgery & Protection
Dr. Tran has 20 years of surgical experience and a gentle hand. Whether it's wisdom teeth or a custom guard, you're in good hands.
I get it — "oral surgery" sounds intimidating. But after 20 years of doing this in Huntington Beach, I can tell you that most patients walk out saying it was way easier than they expected. My approach is simple: be thorough, be gentle, and make sure you know exactly what's happening every step of the way. Whether it's wisdom teeth that need to come out or a mouthguard to protect your teeth at night, I want you to feel comfortable from the moment you sit down.
We see a lot of surfers, athletes, and active families in HB who need sport guards — and a lot of people grinding their teeth at night without even knowing it. A custom-fitted guard is one of the simplest things we can do to prevent expensive damage down the road. And if you do need surgery, we'll take care of you the same way I'd take care of my own family.
— Dr. Kenneth Tran
Surgical Expertise, Protective Solutions
From wisdom tooth removal to custom-fitted mouthguards, we combine surgical precision with preventive protection.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Safe, comfortable wisdom tooth removal for impacted or problematic third molars. Dr. Tran provides expert surgical care with sedation options and clear aftercare instructions for a smooth, quick recovery.
Sport Guards & Nightguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards to protect your teeth during sports and prevent damage from nighttime bruxism (teeth grinding). Professional-grade protection that fits comfortably and lasts.
When Is Oral
Surgery
Necessary?
Oral surgery sounds daunting, but modern techniques make procedures like wisdom tooth removal faster and more comfortable than ever. Knowing the warning signs early — and protecting your teeth with custom guards — can prevent far more invasive treatment down the road.
Signs You May Need Surgery
Pain or Pressure at the Back of the Jaw
Dull aching or sharp pain near your back molars, especially when chewing, can indicate impacted wisdom teeth pressing against neighboring roots or nerves.
Swelling or Redness Around the Gums
Localized gum swelling and redness near a wisdom tooth often signals infection around a partially erupted tooth — a condition called pericoronitis that may require extraction.
Crowding or Shifting Front Teeth
Emerging wisdom teeth can exert pressure on your entire dental arch, causing previously straight teeth to crowd or shift — especially if you've had orthodontic treatment.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Trismus — limited jaw opening — can result from wisdom tooth infection spreading to jaw muscles. This requires prompt evaluation to prevent the infection from spreading further.
X-Rays Show Impaction
Routine dental X-rays often reveal wisdom teeth that are angled horizontally or partially trapped in the jawbone — impactions that should be removed before symptoms develop.
Why Custom Guards Are Worth It
Perfect Fit = Maximum Protection
Custom guards are made from precise impressions of your teeth, distributing impact forces evenly across the jaw — something stock guards and boil-and-bite versions simply cannot replicate.
Breathe and Speak Naturally
Poorly fitting guards disrupt airflow, affect speech during competition, and get spit out during sleep. Custom-fit guards stay securely in place while allowing normal breathing and communication.
Protect Against Bruxism Damage
Nighttime grinding wears enamel, cracks teeth, and causes TMJ pain. A precision nightguard creates a barrier between upper and lower teeth, preventing thousands of dollars in future dental damage.
Durable Enough for Any Sport
Professional-grade materials used in custom sport guards outlast store-bought options by years, providing consistent protection through every season without needing frequent replacement.
Prevent Costly Emergency Repairs
A single knocked-out or fractured tooth can cost $1,500–$5,000+ to repair. A custom guard is an investment that protects restorations, implants, and natural teeth for far less.
Get Expert Evaluation Today
Book a consultation for wisdom tooth assessment or a custom guard fitting — same comfortable office, expert care.
Expert Surgical & Protective Care
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities for every procedure.
Safe Procedures
Advanced sterilization and safety protocols for every surgical procedure
Comfort First
Sedation options and gentle technique to keep you comfortable throughout
Custom Protection
Precision-fitted guards made from impressions for superior comfort and protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about oral surgery and protective dental care. Call us at (714) 374-8800 if you don't see your question.
(714) 374-8800
Is oral surgery painful?
How long is recovery after oral surgery?
Do I need a referral for oral surgery?
What's the difference between a store-bought and custom mouthguard?
Does insurance cover oral surgery?
Nobody Should Put Off Dental Work Because of Money
Our front desk team — they've been with us for years — will walk you through your insurance, explain exactly what's covered, and make sure there are no surprises. If you don't have insurance, we'll work with you.
PPO Insurance Accepted
We accept most major PPO dental plans. Our Huntington Beach team handles the paperwork and verifies your benefits before you sit in the chair — so you know exactly what to expect.
Flexible Payment
Cash, credit, debit — whatever works for you. We'll tell you the cost upfront. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Financing Available
Need to spread it out? CareCredit and Cherry let you get the dental care you need now and pay monthly. We'll help you apply right in the office.
