Oral Surgery

Oral surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to protect and restore your mouth's health and function. Common treatments include tooth removal, wisdom teeth extraction, surgical extractions, bone grafting, ridge augmentation, and sinus lifts. Many of these procedures also serve as preparation for dental implants, helping rebuild the foundation your mouth needs for a successful long-term restoration.

Severe infection, impacted teeth, significant bone loss, and teeth that can't be saved with restorative treatment are among the most common reasons oral surgery is recommended. A thorough exam and digital X-rays give your dentist a complete picture of what's happening in your mouth. Surgery is only suggested when it's truly necessary to protect your oral health and function.

Keeping your care in one place is a priority here, and our experienced team handles a wide range of surgical procedures right in the office. Most patients don't need to be sent to an outside specialist, which saves time and keeps your treatment more convenient. Your dentist will let you know if your specific situation requires a referral to another provider.

Oral surgery is performed with the treatment area fully numbed, so you should feel little to no discomfort during the actual procedure. Some soreness, swelling, and tenderness are normal in the days following surgery and can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Nitrous is available before and during your procedure to help ease anxiety and keep you relaxed throughout.

Recovery from oral surgery varies depending on the type and complexity of the procedure performed. Simple extractions often heal within a week, while more involved procedures like bone grafting or a sinus lift may require several weeks to months of healing time. Following your aftercare instructions carefully, eating soft foods, and avoiding smoking all support a smoother and faster recovery process.

Bone grafting is a procedure that adds volume to areas of the jaw where bone has deteriorated due to tooth loss, gum disease, or long-term denture wear. A solid foundation of jawbone is essential for dental implants to anchor securely and function properly. Grafting builds that foundation back up so implant placement can proceed successfully and with the best possible long-term outcome.

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, often don't have enough room to erupt properly, which can lead to crowding, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and removal during this window is often easier with a faster recovery. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but an exam helps determine whether extraction is appropriate.

A surgical extraction is used to remove teeth that can't be taken out with a straightforward pulling motion. This includes impacted teeth, teeth broken at the gumline, and those with complex or multiple roots. A small incision in the gum tissue is typically required to access and remove the tooth fully. The procedure is performed with the area numbed and sedation available for added comfort.