Oral Surgery

Oral surgery includes procedures that involve the mouth, teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures. This covers everything from tooth extractions and dental implant placement to treating jaw problems and removing cysts. Dr. Fenton performs many oral surgery procedures in our office using advanced techniques and comfort measures. For more complex cases, we work with oral surgery specialists to ensure you get the best possible care.

We handle many common oral surgery procedures including tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, and bone grafting. We also treat gum disease surgically when needed and can remove small cysts or growths. For procedures like jaw surgery or complex facial reconstruction, we may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in those advanced treatments.

We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Dr. Fenton also offers sedation options including nitrous oxide and IV sedation to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. After surgery, you’ll have some soreness and swelling for a few days, but prescription pain medication and ice packs help manage this effectively. Most patients find recovery more comfortable than they expected.

Recovery time depends on the type and extent of surgery. Simple tooth extractions typically heal in 3-5 days, while more complex procedures like implant placement may take 1-2 weeks for initial healing. Complete healing of bone and tissues can take several months. We’ll give you specific recovery instructions and timeline expectations based on your particular procedure.

Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days after surgery. Good choices include yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soup once it’s cooled down. Avoid anything hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy that might irritate the surgical site. Don’t use straws for at least a week since the suction can disturb healing blood clots and cause complications.

Keep the area clean but be very gentle for the first few days. Don’t rinse vigorously or brush directly over the surgical site initially. After 24 hours, you can gently rinse with warm salt water. Take prescribed medications as directed, use ice packs to reduce swelling, and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol. We’ll provide detailed written instructions specific to your procedure.

Oral surgery costs vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure. Simple extractions might cost $150-$300, while surgical extractions or implant placement can range from $1,500-$4,000. We’ll provide detailed cost estimates before any surgery and discuss payment options. Most dental insurance plans cover medically necessary oral surgery at 50-80%, which helps manage the expense.

Most dental insurance plans cover oral surgery when it’s medically necessary. Procedures like extractions for infected teeth or impacted wisdom teeth are typically covered at 50-80%. Implant placement might have limited coverage, but the extraction portion is usually covered well. If your surgery is due to an accident, medical insurance might provide coverage instead. We’ll verify your benefits before treatment.