South Louisville Oral Surgery provides oral and maxillofacial surgery services in Louisville, Kentucky, treating patients who need tooth extraction, implant placement, jaw surgery, and other surgical dental procedures. The practice is staffed by board-certified oral surgeons who perform these procedures in an accredited surgical facility.
Reviewed by South Louisville Oral Surgery — Louisville, KY
What Oral Surgeons Do
Oral surgeons are dentists who have completed 4 to 6 years of additional surgical training beyond dental school and are licensed to perform surgical procedures in the mouth and jaw. They extract impacted or severely decayed teeth, place dental implants, perform bone grafting, correct jaw misalignment, remove cysts and tumors, and manage facial trauma. Many oral surgeons also provide IV sedation and general anesthesia during procedures, which general dentists typically cannot administer.
Common Procedures Performed by Oral Surgeons
| Procedure | Typical Use | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth extraction | Impacted, decayed, or crowded teeth | 7–14 days |
| Wisdom teeth removal | Impaction, decay, or orthodontic reasons | 7–10 days |
| Dental implant placement | Tooth replacement | 3–6 months (osseointegration) |
| Bone grafting | Insufficient jaw bone for implants | 4–12 months |
| Jaw surgery (orthognathic) | Severe bite misalignment | 6–12 weeks |
| Cyst or tumor removal | Pathology in jaw or soft tissue | 1–3 weeks |
Why You Might Need an Oral Surgeon
Your general dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon if your tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gum or bone), if extraction requires bone removal, if you need a dental implant, or if you have a jaw disorder, cyst, or injury. Patients with severe dental anxiety often choose oral surgeons because they can provide sedation options that general dentists do not offer. Oral surgeons also manage complex cases involving multiple missing teeth, bone loss, or previous failed extractions.
What to Expect at South Louisville Oral Surgery
South Louisville Oral Surgery performs consultations to evaluate your condition, review imaging (X-rays or CT scans), and discuss treatment options and anesthesia choices. The practice uses accredited surgical facilities and follows strict infection-control protocols. Patients receive detailed pre-operative and post-operative instructions, and the surgical team monitors vital signs throughout the procedure. Most patients are discharged the same day with a responsible adult present.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need an oral surgeon instead of my general dentist?
Your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon if your tooth is impacted, if extraction requires bone removal, if you need a dental implant, or if you have a jaw disorder or facial injury. Oral surgeons have specialized training and equipment for complex surgical cases that general dentists are not equipped to handle.
What anesthesia options are available?
Oral surgeons offer local anesthesia (numbing only), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation (twilight sleep), and general anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss which option is appropriate based on the complexity of your procedure and your medical history.
How long does recovery take after tooth extraction?
Most patients experience initial healing within 7 to 14 days, during which swelling and discomfort gradually decrease. Complete bone healing takes 3 to 6 months, but you can return to normal activities (excluding strenuous exercise) within 1 to 2 weeks.
What are the risks of oral surgery?
Common minor risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and infection. Serious complications are rare but can include nerve damage, excessive bleeding, or sinus perforation (if upper teeth are involved). Your surgeon will discuss specific risks during your consultation.
How much does oral surgery cost?
Cost varies by procedure complexity, anesthesia type, and whether bone grafting or implant placement is needed. Simple extractions typically cost $200–$500 per tooth, while wisdom teeth removal ranges from $800–$2,000 total, and implant placement ranges from $1,500–$3,000 per implant. Dental insurance may cover a portion; contact your insurance provider for details.
Can I eat normally after surgery?
For the first week, stick to soft foods (yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soup). Avoid hot foods, hard foods, and drinking through straws, which can dislodge blood clots. You can gradually return to normal foods as healing progresses and discomfort decreases.