Rocky Top Oral Surgery is a full-service oral surgery practice located in Springville, UT, offering wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. The practice serves patients throughout Utah County and surrounding areas with same-day and emergency appointments available.
Reviewed by Rocky Top Oral Surgery clinical team — Springville, UT
What Oral Surgeons Do
Oral surgeons are dentists with an additional 4–6 years of surgical training beyond dental school, qualifying them to perform complex tooth extractions, place dental implants, perform bone grafting, and correct jaw alignment disorders. Unlike general dentists, oral surgeons manage impacted teeth, perform extractions in patients with medical complications, and handle surgical reconstruction of the jaw and facial structures. They are trained in anesthesia administration, including IV sedation and general anesthesia, allowing them to perform procedures safely in patients with anxiety or complex medical histories.
Common Procedures Performed by Oral Surgeons
Oral surgeons in the Springville area perform a range of procedures:
| Procedure | Typical Timeline | Common Reason |
|———–|——————|—————|
| Wisdom teeth extraction | 30–60 minutes per visit | Impaction, decay, crowding, infection |
| Dental implant placement | 60–90 minutes | Tooth loss replacement |
| Bone grafting | 60–120 minutes | Jaw volume restoration before implants |
| Corrective jaw surgery | 2–4 hours | Bite misalignment, sleep apnea, TMJ disorder |
| Tooth extraction (surgical) | 20–45 minutes | Severely decayed or fractured teeth |
| Sinus lift | 45–90 minutes | Bone height restoration in upper jaw |
When You Need an Oral Surgeon vs. a General Dentist
Your general dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon if your tooth is impacted (partially or fully beneath the gum), if extraction requires bone removal, if you have a medical condition complicating extraction (bleeding disorder, immunosuppression, cardiac history), or if you need anesthesia beyond local numbing. Patients with dental anxiety often benefit from oral surgeon care because IV sedation and general anesthesia options reduce awareness during the procedure. Implant placement, bone grafting, and jaw surgery are almost always performed by oral surgeons rather than general dentists.
What to Expect at Rocky Top Oral Surgery
Rocky Top Oral Surgery provides comprehensive pre-operative consultation, including 3D imaging (CBCT) to assess bone anatomy and tooth position before surgery. Patients receive detailed anesthesia options—local anesthesia with nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia—selected based on procedure complexity and patient preference. The practice schedules follow-up appointments to monitor healing and manage post-operative pain, swelling, and any complications. Most patients return to light activity within 3–5 days and resume normal diet and exercise within 1–2 weeks, depending on the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does wisdom teeth extraction take?
Extraction of all four wisdom teeth typically takes 30–60 minutes under anesthesia. Simple extractions of fully erupted teeth may take 15–20 minutes each; impacted teeth requiring bone removal may take 45 minutes or longer. Your surgeon will provide a time estimate after reviewing your pre-operative imaging.
What is the cost of oral surgery near Springville?
Costs vary by procedure: simple extractions range from $150–$400 per tooth, surgical extractions from $300–$800, wisdom teeth extraction (all four) from $800–$2,500, and dental implant placement from $1,500–$3,000. Bone grafting adds $400–$1,200. Most insurance plans cover a portion of extractions and some implant costs; contact your insurance provider and your surgeon’s office for a detailed estimate.
How long is recovery after oral surgery?
Most patients experience peak swelling and discomfort for 3–5 days. Sutures dissolve or are removed within 7–10 days. Return to light activity (walking, desk work) is safe within 3–5 days; strenuous exercise and contact sports should be avoided for 2–3 weeks. Full bone healing takes 3–6 months, especially after implant placement or bone grafting.
What anesthesia options are available?
Oral surgeons offer local anesthesia (numbing injection), nitrous oxide (laughing gas) combined with local anesthesia, IV sedation (twilight sleep), and general anesthesia. IV sedation and general anesthesia are appropriate for anxious patients, lengthy procedures, or complex extractions. Your surgeon will discuss which option is safest based on your medical history and procedure.
What are the risks of oral surgery?
Common minor risks include swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness lasting days to weeks. Rare serious risks include nerve injury (causing prolonged numbness or tingling), sinus perforation (during upper tooth extraction), dry socket (delayed healing after extraction), and infection. Discuss your individual risk factors with your surgeon before the procedure.
Can I eat normally after oral surgery?
For the first week, stick to soft foods (yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soup) and avoid hot liquids, hard foods, and straws. After 7–10 days, most patients tolerate normal diet. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 48 hours, as both delay healing and increase infection risk.
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