If your dentist has referred you to a specialist — or you have been putting off a wisdom tooth, a missing tooth, or bleeding gums — it helps to know what an oral surgeon and a periodontist actually do, and where to find both in Corpus Christi. At Oral Surgery Associates of South Texas, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons and our periodontist work side by side in one office on Saratoga Boulevard, so patients across Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend can get coordinated surgical and gum care in one place.
Oral Surgery vs. Periodontics: What’s the Difference?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists trained in surgery of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. They remove impacted and problem teeth, place dental implants, rebuild bone, and provide in-office anesthesia so procedures are comfortable.
Periodontists are specialists in the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. The American Dental Association recognizes periodontics as a dental specialty, and periodontists complete additional years of training beyond dental school to diagnose and treat gum disease, gum recession and related problems.
Many patients need both. For example, a patient with gum disease may need periodontal treatment first, then a tooth extraction, a bone graft and a dental implant. Having both specialties under one roof means one coordinated plan instead of several referrals.
Oral Surgery Services in Corpus Christi
Our oral surgeons, Dr. Robert Bryan Gulley and Dr. Jesus A. Gomez, provide a full range of oral surgery services:
- Wisdom teeth removal — evaluation with x-rays and removal of impacted or problem wisdom teeth, ideally in the teen or early adult years when healing is fastest.
- Dental implants — titanium implants that replace the root of a missing tooth and support a crown, bridge or denture.
- Bone grafting, sinus lifts and ridge augmentation — rebuilding bone so implants have a strong foundation.
- Tooth extractions and socket preservation — removing teeth that cannot be saved while protecting the bone for future treatment.
- Impacted teeth — exposing and bracketing impacted canines so your orthodontist can guide them into place.
- Apicoectomy — a root-end procedure to save a tooth when a root canal alone is not enough.
Periodontal Care in Corpus Christi
Our periodontist, Dr. Geisy Galviz, focuses on keeping your gums and supporting bone healthy. Periodontal services include:
- Scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning below the gum line to treat gum disease.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique™ — a minimally invasive treatment for gum recession without traditional grafting.
- Crown lengthening — reshaping gum and bone for a new restoration or to correct a “gummy smile.”
- Periodontal maintenance — ongoing care to keep gum disease under control after treatment.
- Perioscopic treatment and frenectomy.
Signs You May Need to See an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist
- Pain, swelling or infection around a wisdom tooth
- A missing tooth, or dentures that slip or hurt
- Red, swollen or tender gums, or gums that bleed easily
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, or teeth that feel loose
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- A tooth your dentist says cannot be saved
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, so regular dental visits — and seeing a specialist when your dentist recommends it — matter.
Comfort and Anesthesia Options
We understand that surgery worries most people. Depending on the procedure and your needs, options include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation and general anesthesia. Your surgeon will review the right option for you at your consultation. Learn more on our anesthesia page.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans, all major credit cards and FSA accounts, and offer third-party financing through CareCredit. Some medical insurance is accepted when treatment relates to an underlying medical condition. See our payment options for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon in Corpus Christi?
Many patients are referred by their dentist, but you are welcome to call us directly at 361-992-3873 to schedule a consultation. If your dentist has recent x-rays, they can send them to our office.
How long does recovery from wisdom teeth removal take?
Most patients feel like they are on their way to recovery within 3 to 5 days. Swelling usually peaks on the second day. We provide detailed after-care instructions for every patient.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can often be controlled with professional cleaning and good home care. More advanced periodontal disease cannot be completely reversed, but treatment and regular maintenance can halt its progression and help you keep your teeth.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth can be candidates. During your consultation we take x-rays to evaluate your jaw bone. If bone has been lost, a bone graft can often rebuild it for implant placement.
Schedule a Consultation in Corpus Christi
Oral Surgery Associates of South Texas is located at 6421 Saratoga Blvd, Bldg 1, Corpus Christi, Texas 78414, serving patients throughout Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.
Office hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–5:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am–3:00 pm.
Call 361-992-3873 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with our oral surgery and periodontal team.