Oral Surgery FAQ

Simple extractions cost $75–$200 per tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth range from $225–$600+ per tooth. Most people pay $1,000–$3,000 total for all four teeth. Costs vary by location, complexity, and sedation type. See our full cost guide →

The ideal time is between ages 16–25, when roots are not fully developed and bone is less dense, making extraction easier and recovery faster. The AAOMS recommends evaluation by age 16–18. Wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if problems develop, but older patients generally experience longer recovery times.

Many patients choose to remove all four in one appointment to minimize recovery time and overall cost. The decision depends on your comfort level, extraction complexity, and your surgeon's recommendation. One combined procedure means one recovery period, but more initial swelling.

It depends on the sedation you choose. With local anesthesia only, you'll be awake but pain-free. With IV sedation (most common), you'll be deeply relaxed and unlikely to remember the procedure. With general anesthesia, you'll be completely unconscious. Discuss your options with your surgeon.

Dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot dislodges from the extraction site, exposing bone and nerves. It causes severe pain starting 2–4 days after surgery. Prevention: avoid straws, smoking, forceful spitting, and vigorous rinsing for at least 48–72 hours post-surgery. Smokers and women on birth control have higher risk.

Most dental plans cover 50–80% of medically necessary wisdom teeth removal. "Medically necessary" typically means the teeth are impacted, infected, causing pain, or damaging adjacent teeth. Preventive removal may have limited coverage. Your oral surgeon's office can verify your benefits before the procedure.

Most people feel back to normal within 3–5 days. Gum tissue heals in 3–4 weeks; complete bone healing takes 3–6 months. Simple extractions heal faster than impacted teeth. Plan for at least 2–3 days off work or school. See our full recovery guide →

Days 1–2: Liquids only — broth, smoothies, yogurt, applesauce. Avoid straws.
Days 3–7: Soft foods — mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, soft pasta.
Week 2+: Gradually reintroduce normal foods as tolerated. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods until fully healed. See our full food guide →

No — if you receive any sedation beyond local anesthesia (nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia), you must have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for several hours. Even if you feel alert, your judgment and reflexes are impaired.

A single dental implant (implant + abutment + crown) typically costs $3,000–$6,000. Full-mouth implant solutions range from $24,000–$100,000+. Costs vary significantly by location, bone grafting needs, and provider. See our full implant cost guide →

Most traditional dental insurance plans do not cover implants, considering them cosmetic. However, some newer plans and medical insurance policies offer partial coverage — especially if the tooth was lost due to an accident or medical condition. Always verify with your insurer before committing.

The implant post (titanium screw) can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top typically lasts 10–15 years before needing replacement due to normal wear. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are essential to implant longevity.

Oral surgeons (OMS) complete 4–6 years of surgical residency after dental school, training in complex extractions, implants, jaw surgery, bone grafting, and facial trauma. General dentists handle routine care, cleanings, fillings, and simple extractions. Learn more →

See an oral surgeon for: impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants, jaw surgery, bone grafting, complex extractions, facial trauma, oral pathology evaluation, or when your dentist refers you. Your general dentist will refer you when a procedure is beyond their scope of practice.

Key questions to ask: Are you board-certified? How many of these procedures have you performed? What sedation options do you offer? What is the total cost including all fees? What are the risks for my specific case? What does recovery look like? What is your emergency contact policy? See the full list →

Root canal treatment is generally preferred because it saves your natural tooth, which is always the best option. Extraction is faster and cheaper upfront, but replacing the tooth with an implant or bridge adds significant long-term cost. The right choice depends on the tooth's condition — your dentist or oral surgeon can advise you. Learn more →