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 112 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestLeon Tompkins
2 years ago
Great experience for having a wisdom tooth pulled! The staff and surgeon were very clear in explaining the procedure and what to expect after I left. I came early and anxious and left feeling great relief. I take, insurance, billing and pre-op care were outstanding. They have a great set up and a very sharp and caring staff.
Stephanie Terrones
2 years ago
My 18 year old daughter was referred here to remove impacted wisdom teeth. We met with Dr.Eckstein and he had immediate availability, but we chose a later date so she wouldn't have to miss much school. Her surgery was scheduled for a Friday and she went back to school Monday. The day of surgery she had no pain, just slight swelling and numbness. The day after surgery she went to movies and had minimal discomfort. Monday she went to school and had no swelling and still just a little discomfort. She loved her Dr and said he was so nice. We were super impressed that he even called us the day of surgery about 9pm to personally check on her. That really surprised us and took him up a couple more notches in our book! We will definitely refer family and friends here.
Rosemarie Walton
2 years ago
What a great office! Came in for a consultation regarding an implant for my daughter, the staff was so kind and professional as well as Dr. Messina who took the time to explain the process. I highly recommend this office. Sincerely, Rose
Roberto Moneta
2 years ago
Very good team ! Dr. Havas is great Surgeon!
Nina Bellamy
2 years ago
I had my wisdom teeth taken out here and the staff were very friendly and kind. I haven't had any complications or issues. Thank you!
LeAnna Zevely
2 years ago
I felt welcome and very well cared for throughout my oral surgery procedure by everyone at the Center and anticipate being met with the same professional experience at my follow-up appointments, as well.
sydni fox
2 years ago
Gah... we all hate having to go to the oral surgeon right? I woke up with a tooth infection and they were able to see me right away. Everyone was so kind and made a terrible situation bearable. Would absolutely recommend.
Laura Aranda
2 years ago
My wisdom teeth extraction was smooth here. Dr. Oleksky is amazing and explains things so well. the staff was great
Jocelyn Giatras
2 years ago
Dr. Eckstein was amazing! This was something I needed to get done for years and kept postponing because I was so nervous about the the out come. It has been an easy recovery and thus far the out come is exactly as expected. Thank you Dr. Eckstein
Blaze Zarev
2 years ago
I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Oleksy. He has been very upfront from the beginning. He has explained every step of the procedure and he always takes the time to call in the evening to check and follow up after the procedure. So far happy and very impressed with his work from the start up until this point. I had done an implant with him. I hope I don't have to do another one but if I have to I would go back to his office!!! Thank you Dr. Oleksy!!
joy optimal
2 years ago
I like the professionalism and the standard of care I was given here. I had a nice experience, hardly felt any pain, and had all of my wisdom teeth removed by Dr Olesky. Ofcourse, I was knocked out and don't remember, but I healed great .
Kim Esparza
2 years ago
Everyone is very polite and friendly! I received great post op instructions, it made my wisdom teeth extraction experience very easy. Highly recommend!
Louis Troutman
2 years ago
A professional experience from the front desk to the time of recovering. Dr Havas was great
Christopher Cooper
2 years ago
A rare mix of professional, expert analysis and performance within a pleasant and welcoming environment. Highly recommend!
L Gatto
2 years ago
I have been seeing Dr. Eckstein since 2009. I have horrible teeth!!! I have had 7 implants done and every experience has had a positive outcome. Dr. Eckstein is incredibly personable and professional He has always made me feel comfortable and I couldn't imagine going to another surgeon.
William Mathews
2 years ago
Busy practice but extremely competent and efficient.
Loucie P
2 years ago
This office has really friendly staff and very thorough and efficient. The doctor is really nice and explained the procedure in simple terms.
Christina Haller
2 years ago
Wonderful kind and welcoming staff right from the beginning. Super knowledgeable doctors. Easy in and out service
Daniela Delzell
2 years ago
My entire experience for a wisdom tooth removal was 10/10 from start to finish! I came in for a second opinion because I had a bad experience at another office (doctor told me there was a 60/40 chance that my nerve would be hit and I'd loose sensation in my face...) Dr. Messina reassured me with all the facts about the procedure and the route he would take. He scheduled me two days later. I came in for the surgery, they were helpful and supportive and talked me through everything! **No issues with my nerve and everything went perfectly. After the surgery, they called to checkin how I was feeling, answered my calls on the weekend about questions etc. I can't recommend Dr. Messina and his office more!!
Theresa Scheet
2 years ago
Always a pleasure I had my front left to maiden tune implant they did a wonderful job always made sure to keep me posted for my appointments it's a lovely office to.
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