Our practice was established in 1927 and is the oldest and largest in San Diego County with two convenient locations; one in San Diego and the other in El Cajon. The Center for Oral & Facial Surgery team is made up of exceptional people who are committed to working in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. We are motivated to achieve the highest standards of quality care. To serve our patients with integrity and deliver the highest quality of professional care in a soothing and comfortable environment is more than our mission statement; it is the philosophy behind everything we do.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires additional years of hospitalbased surgical and anesthesia training after graduation from dental school. Our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons (listed below) manage a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. We practice a full scope oforal and maxillofacial surgery procedureswith expertise ranging fromdental implant surgeryandwisdom tooth removaltocorrective jaw surgery. This also includes techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, and fractures.
James R. Eckstein, D.D.S., M.D. is a San Diego native who grew up in the East County and attended Valhalla High School. He completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of California Irvine and then completed dental training at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry where he graduated Cum Laude. He received his medical degree at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center. He then completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He has been in private practice in San Diego since 1996. Dr. Eckstein practices the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with emphasis ondental implantsandwisdom teeth removal. He is a member of many professional organizations including the International Team for Implantology (ITI).
Brian K. Oleksy, D.D.S., M.D. is a native of Carlsbad, California. He completed his undergraduate and dental education at U.C.L.A. and then earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. After completing an internship in General Surgery, he trained in full scope oral and maxillofacial surgery at Parkland Memorial Hospital and affiliated hospitals in Dallas. He has been in the private practice oforal and maxillofacial surgery in San Diegosince 2007. Dr. Brian K. Oleksy is a member of many professional organizations, and is a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Derek J. Havas D.D.S., M.D. is originally from Long Island, New York. He attended Stony Brook Universitys highly selective Honors College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Developmental Genetics. Dr. Havas continued his education at the USC School of Dentistry, excelling in his studies and graduating at the top of his class. He then completed a 6-year residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at LA County USC Medical Center.
During his residency, Dr. Havas received his Medical Degree from Keck School of Medicine of USC. He then completed a 1-year General Surgery Internship at USC, which included rotations with departments such as Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, and Trauma Surgery, gaining invaluable surgical experience and comfort in treating medically complex patients.
Dr. Havas is aBoard CertifiedOral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and has clinical expertise in complexbone grafting techniques,dental implants, andwisdom teeth removal. He is well-versed in General Anesthesia and IV Sedation techniques to assure a safe and comfortable Oral Surgery experience for his patients.
Dr. Havas and his wife, Hollie, are both animal lovers and enjoy taking their rescue dog Riley to the beach as much as possible.Hollie is a volunteer at Helen Woodward Animal Center and is heavily involved in their Annual Spring Fling Gala. Outside of his professional career, Dr. Havas is an avid surfer and enjoys snowboarding and many other outdoor activities.
Dr. Justin Messina, D.M.D., M.D. is a board-certified, dual-degree, oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, graduating number one in his class, serving as President of the prestigious Matthew Cryer Honor Society, and gaining membership into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society upon his graduation.
Dr. Messina practices with some of the most advanced training in Dentoalveolar Surgery and Wisdom Teeth Removal, Dental Implants, Bone Grafting, and Sinus Augmentation, and Reconstructive Jaw Surgery. He is a diplomate to the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, utilizing his General Anesthesia and IV Sedation techniques to increase patient safety and promote office-based anesthesiology standards of care.
Dr. Messina has published in peer-reviewed national and international Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery journals and is recently distinguished in Incisal Edge and Delta Sky magazines as a 40 Under 40 honoree.
Dr. Messina and his wife, Marielle, are enjoying their relocation to San Diego from the New York City area. Outside of his professional career, Dr. Messina enjoys spending quality time with his family. He is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys skiing, hiking, and the great outdoors.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 95 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKathy Wyckoff
a year ago
Very helpful and kind
Cliff Albert
a year ago
From start to finish best experience I could expect. And the Dr Eckstein even called me that evening to ask how I was doing. Very impressed!
Allison Rutter
a year ago
Great staff and the doctor was so friendly and informative. She made sure my son felt comfortable and safe.
Dorianne Maxwell
a year ago
The establishment was very clean and inviting. However, I'd rather talk about how amazing the staff is, everyone was so attentive and friendly and really put me at ease....my surgeon was very informative and really went Into what we were going to do and my after care. I recommend this place to anybody who needs oral surgery. 5 stars isn't enough!
Kristina Curo
a year ago
My daughter got her wisdom teeth pulled from this surgical center, as both her older brother and sister did also. They have always been very professional and friendly with our family and we would definitely recommend this surgical center for this procedure.
Emuni Clady
a year ago
This place deserves five stars!!!!!! I struggle with anxiety so I was very nervous and scared to have four teeth pulled out at once while awake but it was so simple! The assistants & The Doctor made me feel so comfortable & calm from beginning to end I truly valued their compassion toward me. The office is very clean, organized and staff are professional !
Vonda Mendham
a year ago
I highly recommend Center for Oral and facial Surgery, very professional and courteous. I was nervous about doing implants. My dad went here and recommended them and my Dentist. Felt comfortable from the moment I started this journey to a better smile and healthy teeth.
Karen Moorehead-Jenkins
a year ago
Skilled, friendly and professional staff. I felt safe going through my oral surgery. Karen Moorehead-Jenkins
Ben Thomas
a year ago
The staff was polite and professional. They made sure to accommodate my needs appropriately, and I was out in a timely manner. Recovery has been easy with very minimal swelling of my jaw
Rachel Ponciano
a year ago
Dr. Olesky and the team were welcoming, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable. Made me feel at ease for the procedure. Explained what would happen and how to care in detail after. Setting up the appointments and checking in was super easy and fun. Thank you!!
Chris Dickerson
a year ago
Fast and no pain. Great customer service.
Anne Fishburne (CH)
a year ago
They are so wonderful, everyone makes you feel at ease and comfortable. Dr. Eckstein is very skilled.
Sharon Smith
a year ago
I have gone twice to the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery for procedures. The first time I was a bit scared. But they put me at ease and Dr. Havas was very reassuring, skilled, fast and thorough. He was and his staff were wonderful. This second time they squeezed me because my dental emergency came up before a long holiday weekend. They were very accommodating. I have and will continue to encourage in need of these services to go to this center and especially to Dr. Havas.
Nancy Padilla
a year ago
I needed to have a tooth pulled and a post implanted in preparation for a crown to be added by my regular dentist. Dr. Eckstein provided a wonderfully pain-free experience to complete this procedure and finished much sooner than I had anticipated. I really appreciated being informed of what was about to happen every step of the way. I would definitely recommend him for any type of oral surgery needed. I felt I was in very good hands and not the least bit nervous. I also experienced minimal discomfort following the procedure once the Novocain wore off. Office staff was also thorough and very friendly. Based upon my personal experience I would highly recommend the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery without hesitation.
Joe James
a year ago
Very professional, all the staff was great. Doctor worked quickly and everything went as planned.
Corina Wilkes
a year ago
We were so impressed by their professionalism. Booking was a breeze, staff was all VERY nice and the Dr was incredible and even personally followed up with a phone call after our daughters procedure. I highly recommend this practice.
Arlene Pergamit
a year ago
Every member of the care team, both clinical and non-clinical, was professional and friendly; clear explanations were given. I was treated with dignity and respect and received outstanding compassionate care.
Joshua Polanco
a year ago
Incredibly awesome all the way around , office , staff , doctor
Scott Marlin
a year ago
Dr Olesky was very good and the results of his work are fabulous. He and his staff were focused and attentive to my case and comfort.
Stacy Yeany
a year ago
Dr Eckstein and his staff are terrific! 100% professional!!
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