Healthy teeth depend on healthy bone and gum tissue. Dentoalveolar Surgery covers the procedures that treat, reshape, or remove teeth and the structures that support them, from Tooth Extractions to Bone Grafting, so your mouth is healthy and ready for whatever comes next.
Dentoalveolar Surgery is a group of procedures that involve the teeth and the bone and soft tissue around them. Removing a tooth is the most common example, but the category also includes treating infection, performing Cyst Removal and Bone Reshaping, and preparing your mouth for Dental Implants or Dentures.
These procedures are performed to clear up infection, relieve pain, restore your ability to chew comfortably, remove abnormal tissue, or create the right foundation for a future restoration. Acting early matters. When a tooth is lost or removed, the surrounding bone can change, which may affect the treatments that follow.
Your dentist or orthodontist may refer you, or you may come to us on your own, if you have:
Tooth Extractions
Simple and Surgical Extraction of teeth that cannot be saved. When you are a candidate, we can often extract a failing tooth and place a Dental Implant in the same visit.
Impacted Tooth Removal
Removal of Wisdom Teeth and other teeth that are trapped beneath the gums or bone.
Bone Grafting
Rebuilding or preserving bone after tooth loss, often at the time of Tooth Extraction, to protect the socket and prepare the site for a future Dental Implant.
Bone Smoothing and Reshaping (Alveoloplasty)
Contouring uneven or sharp bone so a prosthesis can fit comfortably.
Cyst Removal and Biopsy
Evaluation and treatment of cysts and abnormal tissue around the teeth and jaw.
Why see an oral surgeon
Our surgeons are dual-degree specialists with advanced training in the surgical management of teeth, bone, and soft tissue, as well as in Sedation and Anesthesia. We use an in-house 3D CT scanner to plan each procedure precisely, and we work directly with your general dentist, orthodontist, or restorative team so your treatment is coordinated from start to finish.
Your consultation
Your first visit includes a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. We take any necessary 3D Imaging to see exactly where the tooth and surrounding structures sit, and we talk through your goals, your concerns, and your options for Sedation.
Your health history
Please bring a list of all your medications. We will review your dental and medical history to make sure your procedure is safe for you, and some conditions may require clearance from your physician first.
How to prepare
You will receive instructions specific to your procedure. In general:
How to prepare
You will receive instructions specific to your procedure. In general:
Comfort first
Depending on your procedure and preferences, you may receive Local Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide, or IV Sedation. Our own trained surgical team administers and monitors your Anesthesia, tracking your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure the whole time.
The procedure
Your surgeon will gently access the treatment area, perform the planned procedure, and, when needed, place a Bone Graft or close the site with dissolvable stitches. Many Dentoalveolar procedures are completed in a single visit.
What to expect
The first few days
Some bleeding, swelling, and soreness are normal. Bite down gently on gauze to control bleeding, use ice packs on your face in 20-minute intervals during the first day or so, and keep your head elevated. Over-the-counter pain relievers are often enough, and we will prescribe medication if you need it.
Eating and drinking
Stick to cool, soft foods for the first 24 hours, and stay away from anything hot, spicy, or crunchy. Do not use a straw, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and carbonated drinks while you heal, since these can disturb the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
Keeping the area clean
Avoid brushing the surgical site for the first 24 hours, then rinse gently with warm salt water after meals. Brush the rest of your teeth as usual, carefully.
Rest and activity
Take it easy and skip strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sports for the first few days. Most patients feel back to normal within 3 to 5 days, with full healing taking a few weeks. Healing time is longer when a Bone Graft is involved.
Follow-up
We will schedule a visit to check your healing and coordinate with your referring dentist or orthodontist on next steps.
When to call us
Contact us right away if you have bleeding that does not slow with gauze pressure, pain or swelling that gets worse after the first few days, fever, a persistent bad taste or pus, or severe pain radiating to the ear or jaw.
Dentoalveolar Surgery is a group of procedures that involve the teeth and the bone and gum tissue that support them. It includes Tooth Extractions, Impacted Tooth Removal, Bone Grafting, Bone Reshaping, and Cyst Removal. Tooth Extraction is the most common Dentoalveolar procedure.
We offer Local Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide, and IV Sedation, all administered by our own trained surgical team. During your consultation, we will recommend the best option for you based on your procedure, medical history, and comfort level.
In many cases, yes. If you are a candidate, we can often extract a failing tooth and place your Dental Implant in the same visit. If the bone needs more support first, a Bone Graft at the time of Tooth Extraction can protect the site and prepare it for an implant later.
Many simple extractions can be handled by a general dentist. You will likely be referred to an oral surgeon when a tooth is impacted, broken below the gumline, close to important structures like nerves or sinuses, or when you need Sedation, Bone Grafting, or a more involved procedure. Our surgeons have specialized surgical and Anesthesia training, and we work closely with your dentist throughout.
It depends on the procedure. For many patients, the first 3 to 5 days involve the most swelling and soreness, followed by steady improvement, with the area fully healed within a few weeks. Procedures that include a Bone Graft take longer. We will give you a timeline and detailed aftercare instructions specific to your case.
Coverage varies by plan and by procedure, and many Dentoalveolar procedures are covered by dental insurance, medical insurance, or both. We will file your claims, verify your benefits, and give you an itemized statement of fees and an insurance estimate before treatment begins. We also offer flexible financing through CareCredit. Please send us your insurance information at least one week before your first appointment.
Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through a comfortable and effective treatment journey.
